T.R.'s Tale - 10. Chapter 10

When I left the clinic I was in a daze. I thought about Jed and some of the things he had said and how they now made sense. Jed was heavy into S&M. I thought also about how Bill enjoyed my playing rough with him. I was sure that he got off on being told what to do, when we were having sex. I worried about how he would respond to Jed's dungeon. I also worried about whether he would want to leave once he got down there.

When I arrived Bill had showered shaved and had sandwiches and a salad for lunch. We were both anxious about what we had to tell each other. We agreed to eat first and talk later. We ate in almost total silence. I thanked him for and complimented him on the lunch, even though I couldn't remember what I just ate. We took our sweet tea out to his covered patio. He turned on ceiling fans and indicated we should sit in rattan chairs facing each other. I asked him to talk first.

“Tar, when I left you last night I stopped by Julie's and grabbed some coffee for myself and the on scene County Mountie. When I got to the scene, I could see there were three cars involved. One was absolutely totaled with the second not much better off. The third, I recognized as Jed Compton's SUV. He was trying to help EMS and directing traffic, which was very light. His Land Rover had only minor damage to the drivers side. A pickup failed to stop for a sign and broadsided a large SUV. The pickup spun around a time or two and hit Jed's vehicle on the drivers side rear door. His was the only vehicle still operable.”

“The ambulance took both the other drivers to the hospital. Wreckers hauled away the two other vehicles and that left only Jed and I at the scene. After I took his statement. He hung around like he wanted to say something. I knew he had been watching me and trying to figure out how he knew me. Finally it must have dawned on him.”

“He came strutting up to me like he owned Texas. I sort of smiled at how long it took him to figure it out. He told me he had been watching me and knew something about me I probably didn't even know. When I asked what that was he simply said, “Be at my house tomorrow at two o'clock and I will show you.” Then he turned and walked away. It was like he had given some supreme order or something.”

I wondered exactly what the problem was. Jed had not offered an invitation as much as an instruction. There was definitely some dominant role play at work in that exchange. I asked Bill if he intended to go.

“Tar, I figured you know him better than I do. What do you think he has in mind?”

“Bill, when we have sex you, ah, you ah, well you go out of your way to make me fell like what I want is important to you. I just found out that Jed is into S and M. I think he wants to play with you. I figure he saw something in you that makes him think you could be his boy toy.”

I could see in Bill's eyes the shock building as he grasped what I was saying. The shock melted into a smile that spread until it burst out in a raucous laugh. “You have got to be kidding? He thinks I would take shit off him? You believe that he thinks he can beat me with whips and chains and shit? You are kidding? Hell, I thought he intended to black mail me into having sex. Now you tell me he wants to black mail me in to becoming his sex slave. This is ridiculous. I can't stand the pompous bastard. I god damn sure wouldn't trust him while I was handcuffed.”

Bill's face showed just how incredulous he thought the whole idea to be. I could see him rolling the whole idea around in his mind. Suddenly he looked at me and asked, “Tar, you think I might go for that being tied up and whipped and all, don't you? You think...” He paused as a devilish smile spread across his face. “You think that because of what we've done, the things that turn me on, I'd go for that. Man, you are clueless.”

His smile was washed away by a very serious look, “Tar, I like what we've done and frankly I think you liked it too. I like a little rough play, but I can tell you that I won't allow any man to handcuff me and take a belt or whip to me. I would have to love the guy and trust him with my life. Jed Compton is not the kind of man I would trust behind my back, let alone when I am unable to defend myself.”

“Bill, I would have asked Doc to come with me but he couldn't leave since David is taking off early to make sure Harry, Julie's friend, has what he needs for the pig pickin. Would you go to the office with me and talk to Doc about this? He knows Jed better than either of us and I would like to hear what he has to say about Jed's motives. Hell, I am not convinced that Jed is above forcing you into something. I don't trust him anymore than you do.”

Doc was surprised to see Bill was with me when I returned to the clinic. He had one more patient to see and the rest of his day was on site with ranchers. When he finished with his patient he came into my office and closed the door. The three of us talked frankly about Jed and what he might or might not do. I noticed that when Doc shared his story about his weekend with Jed he left out the part about his having “cum like a teenager”. I didn't correct his tale.

Once each of us shared our tale silence descended like a thick fog. Each lost in his own speculation as to Jed's intentions. Doc had insisted that Jed would not force Bill, or anyone, into doing something against their will. I was not convinced, after all how willing a playmate had Doc been to be locked in a dungeon for a weekend. I looked at Bill and could see that he had made up his mind.

He cleared his throat and said, “I think we are all making this into something it probably isn't. We are all making this some kind of melodramatic encounter. It is nothing that deserves that level of consideration. Tar, I need to go to prove to you that I can resist this big assholes advances. I don't want to go because showing up shows some level of subservience.”

Turning his worried glance to Doc, Bill continued, “I agree with you Doc in that as much as I don't like him, I can't see him actually forcing anyone to play his S and M games. It looks to me like I have to go out there. To prove to him and Tar that I am not his kind of man.”

Doc, stood up and faced us as he said, “Look, I know Jed better than either of you. I have avoided the man. As much as I hate to admit it I have avoided him out of fear. Not so much a fear of Jesse as fear of my own reaction to him. When I played his games, he gave me a “safe word”... “Cesar”. Had I uttered that word any time during the weekend all play would have stopped. Even now I know Jesse would have released me. I suppose I wanted to show him how tough I was and I wanted to please him... as my lover. I have had no problem staying away from him. Tar your presence has changed that. I am the one who needs to confront Jed.”

“Bill, you may have some issues to work out with Tar. That's up to you two. If either of you feel you have some work to do in your relationship, then you really have to work that out between the two of you.” Doc thought a minute and then said, “ I have an idea that just might make us all breathe a little easier concerning Jed Compton.”

“Boys, I'm going to keep Bill's luncheon date with Jed/Jesse. We have some old times to talk about and we need to clear the air. Frankly I'm sorry that it took this long for me to face him. He did nothing to deserve my snubbing him.”

Bill, at first insisted he go to Jed's house. After I assured him he had nothing to prove to me, he relented. Shortly he left to get some sleep and Doc headed out to Jed's.

I was in the middle of a check up with a pregnant Boxer named Leroy. Yeah, the children didn't understand and the parents weren't aware that Leroy hadn't been spayed. So here Leroy was about to be a mother and the parents were busy trying to arrange homes for eight mixed breed puppies. This appointment was to be my last for the day when Juanita called back and asked if I could see Bruno, Julie's Great Dane had swallowed something and he was in distress. I talked to Julie who was already on her way.

Leroy was sent home with at least another week before delivery.

Julie arrived a couple of minutes after Leroy and her entourage had departed. Bruno was indeed in distress. He was hacking and coughing. He had torn his lip, clawing at his face. It was clear something was caught in his throat. We took him to an examining room and I gave him a shot to calm him. Julie stayed right there insisting that her presence would help keep him calm. I never underestimate the power of a strong sedative, but I didn't argue with Julie. Instead I grabbed a flashlight and a tongue depressor. Actually before I could use the tongue depressor I had Mary pull the half mile of tongue out of the way. Then I saw it, something plastic, round and small I grabbed it with hemostats and managed to gently twist it and extracted. As I pulled it into the mouth cavity, I saw what it was and asked my tech to excuse us. Once we were alone I extracted the object... a small vibrator.

I didn't say anything I turned around and put it in the trash. When I looked back at Julie she was grinning, big as Texas. “Tar, that's where Bruno found it in the first place.”

I was hoping to see a blush that would match that red hair. She simply shrugged. “See Tar, Harry has been coming around a lot and I figured he keeps me busy enough so that I just don't need it.” She watched me closely for a moment, closed her eyes a moment then asked, “Is David still here? Never mind, he's already with Harry. Can you wait here for one minute?” Without waiting for an answer, she turned away.

I followed her to the door and watched as she stepped down the hall and disappeared into David's office. Normally a patients care giver would be challenged about going into a staff members office, but this was Julie. I wasn't sure she wouldn't put a curse on me, or something. She was only in his office for a moment then came back into the hallway with a strange, even for Julie, look on her face. “I thought it was you? I really did. I felt it building from when you greeted us as we came in. You are different... what happened since I saw you last?” David is still the same... I am not sure. I've been wrong before, but I was so sure it was you. The minute you we met David changed... I was sure it was you... maybe a catalyst. You might be one who makes things happen. That could explain about David... Doc, I can't even begin. He has been rock steady, now he has changed. It must be you!”

“Julie, I am sure I am gonna hate myself, but what are you talking about? What do you mean, 'I'm the one”?”

Julie took me by the arm and led me back to my office. Once inside she shut the door and guided me to a chair. “Tar, when you showed up here and then David came out to greet us I could feel it he was terribly attracted to you and I knew he was about to meet the love of his life... so I jumped the gun. Now, you have are content with your cop slash fireman... which is it? Now you've changed and David hasn't. I can tell more when I see you two together.”

I told her we would keep Bruno overnight for observation and he should be good to go in the morning. Julie said she was going to David's to help with the cookout and she would pick up Bruno on the way.

I couldn't help but wander about what Julie had said, how much was bullshit and why would she bother? Its not like I am going to send money to support her church or anything. I was heading back into my office when I felt someone grab my arm and said, “Ok, mister come with me. It's time we get this straight, no pun intended.” Julie again led me to my office and closed the door. “Tar, I want you to think of three things you don't want met to know. Three things I couldn't possibly know. Take a deep breath and start thinking. The best way is to think of hiding secrets. That way they will come on their own and you won't waste time.” This happened in a rush. I was still thinking that she had already left and now she is standing over me like I was an unruly pupil and she a pissed of teacher.

Of course I tried not to think of any of the things I didn't want her to know. 'Three things, hmm, ok three, the number three, big number three, big black number three.... hmm. Three..'

Julie interrupted my train of thought, “Didn't I just tell you to think of secrets you want to hide... where the hell is a big black number three coming from.”

“Tar, work with me here. I need you to trust what I tell you, now concentrate.” I was surprised she didn't twist my ear. Bet she would have been a scary teacher, maybe a sister in a catholic school where they walk the aisles with big rulers... “Tar, no school memories now concentrate.”

This time she did twist my ear! “OUCH! That hurt!” I am certain that came out as a whine.

Julie was loosing her patience. “Then concentrate, I already showed you three times I am not faking and you refuse to understand. If you'd have paid attention in the diner we wouldn't be doing this now. Tar, you're are a catalyst, that means you're important to a lot of people around here. There hasn't been a real catalyst since Doc's son Gordy died. So think secrets, please.”

“Tar, having a crush on your Daddy at eleven is not bad... stalking you dad each time he showered is kind of creepy. Your cousins taught you to masturbate. Is sex and family all you think about? You want to know if you will like what you did to Bill as much, when he does it to you?” That's cheating Tar. You're asking a question, not hiding a secret. You'll get your answer tomorrow at the cookout.

With that she moved to the door, opened it and as she stepped into the hallway she said, “Tar, you're important to this town and to me. You'll be more content here than you have been ever before. Your presence here has already moved people in ways you can't imagine. Tomorrow will be an eye opening experience for you and a few others.” With that she turned and left, At least I think she did. I tried an experiment... could I think of Julie and contact her? Bullshit, this stuff is getting to me, I'm beginning to believe that mumbo jumbo.

The rest of the day was uneventful, if rushed. I was covering for both Doc and David. Ok, so Doc was in the field and was covering for himself. I guess it was just the first time I had the practice all to myself. Fortunately there were no demanding situations. I actually fielded a call concerning a vasectomy on a horse. I couldn't help but wonder if this lady had been talking to Jed. I assured her it was possible, it would require an overnight stay and it would require the stallion be separated from mares for two to three weeks after the procedure. We had done several in school and I had assisted on three and done one myself. It was becoming a popular option to gelding.

After office hours I headed out. When I got home I called Bill and asked if he would like to come over for dinner. I felt that with Doc having visited/confronted Jed, we could both get an update. He agreed but wanted to make an early night of it since he had covered the accident and had not gotten much sleep. I tried not to let my disappointment show in my voice. When he arrived I had him make a salad while I basted the forty cloves of garlic chicken. Bill refused to believe the tantalizing aroma that greeted him was garlic. I corrected him by insisting it was roasted garlic and rosemary chicken. The entree was Forty cloves of Garlic Chicken.

I jokingly asked if his kiss was warm and wet because it was me or the was the chicken making him slobber?

He got us a beer as I sauteed some fresh asparagus. The rice would be done soon and all we would need was Doc. I suppose it had crossed both our minds but Bill was the first to ask, “Tar, you don't think Jed talked Doc into going down into his dungeon for some fun and games, do you?”

I felt a little guilty for not admitting to having had similar thoughts. Instead of admitting to having had those thoughts, I chastised Bill for voicing such doubts concerning Doc's strength of character. It felt good defending Doc and it felt bad because I had the same doubts. Almost as soon as the condemnation was out of my mouth I was taking Bill in my arms and apologizing for my hypocrisy. A kiss seem to settle things very nicely. Well it didn't settle everything and the swelling only served to remind me Bill needed to leave early tonight. I consoled myself with the knowledge that he had a free weekend and we could spend some time together. Well, after David's party that is. Thinking of the party, caused me to think about Julie and her, uh, uh, observations. I asked Bill what he thought.

“Tar, I really don't know Julie. I think I might have seen her once from a distance. Because of my schedule I usually go in there late at night so I'm not surprised that I haven't seen her or she doesn't know me. I know most of the night shift waitresses and cooks. It pays to be on the good side of folks that fix your food.” As he let that sink in, he grabbed me and gave me a kiss that took off right where the last one left off and I felt my cock leak onto my thigh.

Doc's voice interrupted our kiss, “Hey, you two, get a room. No, wait a minute you have a room right down the hall. Well, right after supper you two can go to your room. Tar, I don't what your cooking but you ought to shut the doors and close the windows or you'll have half the town lining up with plates in hand. That sure smells good.”

A glance shared between Bill and I said we would let Doc tell us about his visit with Jed when he was ready. I stuck a french baguette into the oven to get crusty. Doc went off to get washed up and came back in shorts and tee shirt. He seemed to be in a pretty good mood. Conversation was light, as time passed it became more and more difficult to ignore the gorilla. Finally Bill cracked. I was so glad he caved first, I felt like cheering.

“Doc, you know Tar and I having been waiting on pins and needles to hear what Compton wanted with me and...” His voice trailed off as he realized the rest did not concern him.

Doc took a sip of wine, smiled and drew a heavy sigh then began, “Confronting Jesse was easier than I had thought it would be. I suppose that my memories have given the whole scene a greater significance than it deserved. Turns out we agreed that what happened was consensual. There was nothing forced and I agreed to everything that happened in fact most before it even happened. I was afraid that I might be drawn into a relationship in which I would have surrendered all control. I value my dignity. That concept is in direct conflict with being a sexual submissive. I understand now that we could not have continued that kind of sexual relationship.”

“Jesse and I had a long talk. Turns out, Bill he wanted to offer you a position guarding the Governor. Seems he has some friends who could make that happen rather easily. They apparently would welcome you with open arms and flies.” At this Doc cast a shit eatin grin at Bill. “Seems Jesse figured if he got you out of town his chances with Tar would geometrically increase.”

Turning to me, he continued, “Tar, Jesse understands that you are not interested in a relationship with him. I really think part of his motivation was to rattle my cage and get me talking to him again. I guess it worked. Still, his pursuit of you was sincere... I was correct in telling him you were not interested in the least, yes?” I agreed with an enthusiastic nod. “I thought it best to clear the air, so to speak, so I invited him to the cookout at David's tomorrow.”

I understood Doc wanted to clear the air, but I hardly thought the cookout a proper setting. I figured if tempers flared it could put a damper on the whole day. Still, if Doc invited him, he would have thought about all this beforehand. I wasn't looking forward to spending a good part of any day in the company of Jed Compton.

After dinner Bill helped my clean up while Doc headed to the library. The main topic of discussion was Jed Compton and his coming to the cookout. Bill complained that because there would be swimming he would have no real way to hide a weapon. He said this with a grin and if made me wonder if Jed had made an enemy. I really wondered what had Jed done to make Bill dislike him. I had reasons. What reasons did Bill have?.

He was reaching up to put away a platter when I stepped up behind him and grabbed his basket saying, “I'm amazed you're able to hide this weapon. I can't wait to see you in swim trunks or do you wear a tiny pink speedo?” I began to massage his hardening manhood. Bill took my hands away from his crotch turned in my arms until he faced me and said, “Hiding little willie is always more difficult when you're around. Now, unless you want to take me to your room for a quickie I suggest you unhand me.”

“Well, I had thought tonight would be your lucky night. Since you have to get some rest I guess we'll make it another time.”

Bill scanned my face to make sure he understood my meaning. Once he was satisfied he pulled me close and asked, “You did invite me to stay the night, didn't you?”

“You need to understand that was a one time offer. You chose not to take advantage and the time limit on that offer has expired. You have to wait for a new offer. You can't expect card blanch access to my bed. I'm not that kind of man.”

Tar smiled, “Alex, I'll take foreign phrases for one thousand... You know you're cute when you mispronounce French phrases...” He scowled and asked, “That was on purpose, right? It might help if you roll your tongue on the second syllable. Let me show you.” With that, he kissed me and again demonstrating how his tongue could leave me weak in the knees without saying a thing.

The smile on my face as I was talking must have encouraged him. Bill pulled me closer and slid his right hand down my pants and rubbed my cock through my boxers. While he was doing this his left hand moved up my back to cup the back of my neck and pulled me into a deep kiss. When the kiss broke he took his hand out of my pants and held the precum coated digits in front of my face. Meeting his questioning glance I began to lick his fingers clean. Once the finger were slick and shiny with my spite he took them into his own mouth and suck off the remains of the precum and spit. That was a totally erotic experience and like all such experiences could never be intentionally duplicated. It left us both breathless.

I caught myself as I was about to address him as 'straight trooper'. That moniker was for playtime, this was much too serious for frivolity. “Bill, will you stay the night and sleep in my bed?”

Bill, looked at me with a strange new look. He was more than pleased, I couldn't tell what else there was to that look but there was definitely something more. I liked that look.

We sipped some wine and talked about the cookout. I still couldn't get over Doc inviting Jed to David's cookout. I don't believe David had ever met Jed. Still, there promised to be a big turnout so maybe I could avoid the big jerk. I can't even remember the last time I referred to anyone as a “jerk”. Jed had a way of bringing out my adolescent tendencies. Hey, I only said I was grown up, I never said I was mature.

We went into the library and found Doc looking over a family photo album. He didn't seem to be upset with the memories the photos brought back. They seemed to bring more smiles than pain and I thought that said a lot about the man. He had made peace with the past and chose to remember the more pleasant times of family togetherness. Bill and I sat on either side of him and listened to his recollections through the entire album. Several times he protested he was taking up our time needlessly. We honestly reassured him and each time he protested we simply asked about another picture. One in particular caught my eye. It was a handsome cowboy about to mount a black stallion. The photographer had called to get his attention. The cowboy had turned with his boot in the stirrup. The stallion was shiny black with spanish tack and saddle. The horse was eager to run. There was tremendous energy reflected in the muscles of the beast. The cowboy was at ease. It was his eyes that cast a certain glint. His smile was sensuous, almost erotic. You could tell that whatever the photographer had said to get his attention pleased the cowboy. You could see love in his eyes.

When I asked Doc about the cowboy, he got a far away look in his eye. “That cowboy was the love of my life. When it was clear that Jesse and I were not going to make it work. John was my support. He owned one of the largest spreads around these parts. He had the farm implement sales and sever, out on the highway. John had been a childhood friend of both mine and Jed's. He knew about us and made it a point to keep in touch. To keep our friendship alive. A few days after Jed and I really called it off, John came to the clinic. He talked to my boss and came into my office and took me by the arm and led me outside saying it was an emergency. I was needed down the road aways. He was not clear as to why. We got into his pickup with a horse trailer hooked up and took off. We were about ten miles out of town when he confessed that there was no emergency. He figured I could use some time off and shoulder to cry on. We spent a week out in the high desert. Before the week was out he confessed his love for me. I can't say I felt the same way about him. Not at first anyway. He got me to where I could laugh and I found that by the time the second campsite had been set up we were sharing a sleeping bag. John was a widower. He had a son who ironically enough, became my son's lover. We, meaning John and I never talked about our love for each other with anyone else. Still, I am sure my son figured it out. I took this picture when we had been together for almost eight years John was Grand Marshall for the fourth of July parade. He was a highly decorated Vietnam veteran. This is my favorite photograph of him, I think he let his love show through in his smile.”

A heavy protracted smile then Doc continued, “Well, boys, I think it's bed time for me. I take it Bill, you're staying the night?” Without waiting for a response Doc nodded and said, “Good. I think I will go to bed now. Tar, would you mind locking up, please.”

Doc headed to his room. Bill went it to get a shower while I locked up for the night. When I joined him he was humming. “I thought you were tired and needed sleep and here you are humming like your about to start your day.”

His smile split his face, “Well, I am in a good mood, I got something to look forward to. In just a little bit, little willie is going to find a new home. See, he is all swelled up with pride.” Even as I stripped to join him we heard Satan's voice loud and clear from the bedroom... “Wah... ooh, Wah... ooh.