Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:08:19 EDT
From: RitchChristopher@cs.com
Subject: briarwood:new-heaven-new-earth-102

All rights reserved. Copyright held by the author. If you are underage or
are offended by gay fiction, containing graphic sex and explicit language,
please exit now.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


                                    "BRIARWOOD"
                              Copyright Ritchris, 2006

                                  A dramatic saga

                                        by

			         Ritch Christopher


                                    <><><><><>


		   	              BOOK NINE


                           "A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH"


                               * * * * * * * * * * * *

			       Chapter One-hundred-two


			        "Oh, God,
                                 Don't let me live and die alone..."

                                   Tom Jones--Harvey Schmidt
                                   "Old Maid" from
                                   "110 in the Shade"
                                     copyright 1963



<><><><><><><><><><><><>


	Walter Clayton arrived at his law office, a bit sleepy and a bit
depressed. The night before, after he and David had their nightly
lovemaking session, which was as good as ever, David lulled off to sleep
while Walter stayed wide-eyed and awake. He lay in bed wishing how he could
have shucked everything and gone to New Hampshire to see his boys...all
FOUR of them.

He was more than glad that Cliff and Roger had gotten to take the trip with
Billy, as he couldn't remember the last time Cliff took time off to get
away on a holiday. Of course there WAS the time when Cliff went to New York
to visit Rob and Cliff and wound up helping to apprehend the notorious
gay-killer, Dorothy, but that was no lark in the park vacation.

Walter missed seeing Alex, Jeff, Ted, and Johnny, not to mention his two
grandsons, little Roger and little Pete.

	Walter had a private telephone line which was only used by Cliff,
Roger, and their Briarwood Boys. Walter sometimes hated the fact that when
that particular telephone line rang, it was usually bad news or one of the
'boys' was in trouble or having some kind of difficulty.

'Why does no one ever call me on that line just to say "hello", or "how are
you",'. Walter mused. As he stared at the telephone, he was startled when
it rang at the same moment he was looking at it. He, actually, physically
jumped back. He grabbed the receiver on the first ring.

	"Hello?" Walter answered, somewhat anxiously.

	"Daddy Walt?"

	"Yes?"

	"It's me, Ted."

	"Hey there, Mister Mayor! How are things in your wonderful
metropolis?"

	"Couldn't be better!" Ted replied, giving Walter a sense of relief
that nothing was wrong.

	"It's so good to hear your voice so early in the morning! Is...is
everything all right with Alex?"

	"Meaner than a snake and more loving than a Teddy bear!"

	"Jeff, Johnny, and the kids? Are they all right, too?"

	"They're still living the life of 607 South Maple Street in
Springfield, pretending they're Jim, Margaret, Bud, and Kitten Anderson."

	"OH? And which one is the 'father' who knows best?"

	"Why, Father Jeff, of course!"

	"I'm so glad everyone is fine. Has Cliff and Roger arrived yet?"

	"No, Jeff said sometime this weekend."

	"I told Cliff to give all of you a big hug from me and David."

	"How is everything with you and Daddy Dave?"

	"He's still the apple of my eye, if that's what you're asking!"

	"Isn't it great that none of us seem to be having any 'marital'
problems?" Ted asked.

	"There shouldn't be if you're careful choosing your mate."

	"I never thought about Alex and me choosing one another. We grew up
together like brothers. I guess the biggest transition was going from
brotherly love to matrimonial love. It just didn't seem right to go to bed
with your brother, but the moment we became serious, I knew that 'love' had
a new meaning."

	"Ted, the paternal and legal aspect of my life makes me feel that
you called for some other reason than to just inquire about David and
me. Am I right?"

	"Yeah..."

	"What is it, son?"

	"I had a long talk with Johnny last night when he and Jeff invited
Alex and me over for dinner..."

	"Johnny has a problem?"

	"Heavens, no! It's me. I'm the one with the problem."

	"Ted, you know I'm always here for you for ANY reason."

	"Johnny showed me how selfish I've been about Alex's wanting a kid
or two like Jeff and him."

	"I see."

	"Daddy Walt, it's not that I don't like kids. Heck, I love little
Cliff and little Roger as if they were my own...the problem is...they
AREN'T my own. I mean, if Alex and I had the chance of adopting them first
before Jeff and Johnny, I think I would've jumped at the chance of adopting
them...but THEY'RE taken."

	"And you feel that little Roger and little Cliff are the only two
perfect kids in the world?"

	"I firmly believe that there are no two kids like 'em!"

	"What if I could find you one or two just like them?"

	"Do you think such a kid or two exists in the world?"

	"Boys or girls?"

	"Boys, of course. Mackintosh with all of the hundreds of guys who
live here, is no place to bring up a daughter."

	"Would they have to be infants or would you settle on two about
little Roger and little Cliff's age?"

	"I'd like to have two infants who would grow up only knowing Alex
and me as their parents...of course if they were the same age as Roger and
Cliff, they could grow up together and play together."

	"Ted, let me ask you a VERY serious question."

	"Go ahead..."

	"How would you feel if the kid or kids were HIV positive?"

	"I don't know, Daddy Walt. Do you have one or some in mind?"

	"Ted, there are dozens of small kids AND babies at the Institute
who were born with the virus. Most of them are parentless. They have NO one
to love them OR adopt them."

	"Sometimes small kids grow out of the virus, don't they?"

	"Quite often. Others, Dr. Ed found a cure to treat some of the HIV
strains and they have no trace of the virus in their systems."

	"We couldn't adopt a dozen of them. I was thinking about two...you
know, like Jeff and Johnny."

	"Have you told Alex that you were calling me about adopting?"

	"No, this all came about after my private conversation with
Johnny. I promised him I'd call you this morning."

	"All right! You and I both know that Alex wants to adopt. Would it
add too much pressure to either or both of you if the kids were not
one-hundred percent healthy?"

	"Actually, why should it? Mackintosh was founded as a haven for HIV
and AIDS victims. Ninety percent of my constituents have the condition. It
doesn't scare me, if that's what you're asking. Alex and I deal with AIDS
patients daily."

	"Being perfectly honest, Ted, I have two little boys in mind...two
little boys I could happily accept as my grandchildren. I wouldn't steer
you wrong if I didn't believe they would fit into the family quite
nicely. If Dave and I weren't approaching middle age, we might consider
adopting them ourselves."

	"Are they pretty? Hell, boys aren't supposed to be pretty, but you
know what I mean!"

	"Do you mean are they as handsome as little Cliff and little
Roger?"

	"Well...YES!"

	"They're beautiful, Ted. I think you'd love them."

	"Are they real brothers? How old are they?"

	"Little Cliff and little Johnny are what, five now?"

	"I think so."

	"These two are five, also...and yes, they two, are twins!"

	"My God, Daddy Walt, You're making my heart flutter just thinking
about them?"

	"Is there any way you and Alex could get away and fly down to
Briarwood to meet them?"

	"I...I think I'd rather keep this conversation between you and me,
Daddy Walt. I'd like to come see them, privately, before I mention them to
Alex."

	"That's fine with me. How will you get away?"

	"I've never lied to Alex, ever! But, I could say that I'm homesick
for seeing my mom and dad. Alex would assume that one of my parents was
sick and he wouldn't object if I told him nothing. That wouldn't be a lie,
would it?"

	"Not if you 'word' it just right."

	"Then, I'll be down next week some time. I'll call you first as
soon as the plan is permanent."

	"I'd love to see you, Ted. I WON'T try to influence your decision
about the little tots, I'll let you decide for yourself and whether or not
you want to tell Alex about them."

	"GOD! Why do I always feel that I'm talking to my REAL dad whenever
I talk with you?"

	"I don't think your REAL dad could love you any more than I do. You
became half of Alex's life and together you make up a whole son...MY whole
son."

	"I love you so much, Daddy Walt!"

	"I can't wait to put my arms around you and show you how much I
love you, Ted."

	"I'll...I'll see you next week!"

	"Great! Mr. Mayor!"

	"Why don't you and Daddy Dave come to see us in Mackintosh and I'll
give you both keys to the city."

	"That's worth a trip!"

	"Goodbye, Daddy Walt!"

	"Goodbye, son!"

<><><><><><><><><><>

	Forrest finished ejaculating inside Will and leaned forward toward
Will, still lying flat of his back on the kitchen table, to kiss him long
and hard. Will reached up to place his arms around Forrest's back and
pulled him down on top of Will's body causing Forrest's retracted organ to
dislodge from Will's filled anal opening.

	"God, you're great!" Will said after the kiss.

	"You're not so bad yourself!" Forrest replied with a huge smile of
satisfaction. "But you didn't get off yet."

	"Oh, I got off, all right!"

	"When?"

	"When Kathy walked in and saw what we were doing, I got off my
engagement to her. Damn! I hope I never have to see that dizzy blonde cunt
again!"

	"I, somehow, don't think you've heard the last from Kathy. I'd say
that you are in for a big-time Briarwood squabble!" Forrest said.

	"Shit! She already thinks I'm crazy from the PTSS! NOW, I'm sure
she's convinced!"

	"You know word will get back to your mother, don't you?"

	"Wanna keep fucking me on the table until Mother returns from her
meeting. Once she gets a glimpse of what Kathy saw, I won't have to tell
her anything. A picture is worth one-thousand words from Kathy and a LIVE
demonstration could rival Webster's Unabridged!"

	"I don't relish the idea of your mother catching me fucking you!"

	"I'd say she'd better get used to it!"

	"Will?"

	"Yes?"

	"Do you want me to stay?"

	"You mean, HERE? Permanently?"

	"Well...yes!"

	"Just TRY and get away from me and I'll go ballistic and put a
bullet in the back of your head as you try to exit out the front door!"

	"That's a bit radical for a love relationship, isn't it?"

	"I lost the love of my life when Rick got killed. I WON'T go
through that again!"

	"If I hadn't made the trip to Briarwood, you'd still have your
priest, wouldn't you?"

	"I suppose, but we hurried into our sex nest on the rebound. I
missed Rick as much as he missed his doctor lover. We both had tension to
release and that was no foundation for a relationship. I hardly knew him
outside of my fantasies."

	"You forgot! I came here to see what I could do for Barry."

	"We'll still help Barry. I intend for you to keep your appointment
with Walter Clayton. But, let's be reasonable for a second. Barry killed
his wife and three kids. I doubt if O.J. Simpson's team of swindlers could
get Barry freed. You want to live out the rest of your life with a lover
whom you can see only through bars or bulletproof glass?"

	"I've thought about that many times over."

	"So?"

	"It really wouldn't work, would it?"

	"Forrest, since I'm being treated for PSST, that's the only angle I
can see that Barry can use for his defense...and even then, he could get
life in an asylum. No way would he get off scott free."

	Forrest thought silently for a minute and then his face looked very
serious.

	"Will...those things we said to each other in bed last night...?"

	"What about them?"

	"Did you mean them?"

	"What? About loving you?"

	"I'll only reply by saying that I meant them as much as you did."

	"Oh..."

	"Did YOU mean them, Forrest or were you, too, using me as a rebound
proxy?"

	"I would never do that, Will. I swear. I...I didn't know about you
and Rick. I had no idea that you had a homosexual thought in your head. In
Iraq, you were always showing Kathy's picture to everyone who hadn't seen
it. You talked about your upcoming marriage to her and even before Barry
and I ever got together the first time, I had gone into the latrine and
jerked off while thinking about you. YOU were the first male whoever
excited me sexually. I knew that you and Rick were close buddies, but I
didn't know HOW close! When I look back now, I think you were the one I
really fell in love with...not Barry...BUT, I also knew, I didn't stand a
chance with you!"

	"You really think you were in love with me in Iraq?"

	"I thought I was...but now, I'm certain."

	"Sweetheart, buddy! If you want me, you can have me...heart, soul,
and organs!"

	"I'm glad to hear that, but I'd rather hear you say that you love
me and mean it!"

	"Forrest, I LOVE YOU and I DO MEAN IT!"

	"Would you let me get you off and ease my guilt?"

	"You can get me off any way you want! Pick me up, cut me into tiny
pieces and throw me in Mother's Cuisinart if that will please you!"

	"Since my ass is still a bit raw, I'd rather just go down on you."

	"That's a good way to get me off! Lord knows, I'm willing!"

	Forrest gave Will a 'knowing' grin and slipped down to put Will's
organ into his mouth. Will writhed with pleasure, moaning and groaning each
time Forrest sunk his head forward until Will reached an extraordinary
climax. When Forrest finally raised his head, he said a simple, "Thank you"
to Will.

	"Hell, don't thank ME! I should be on my knees worshipping your
expertise! That was the best and I mean it!"

	"Forrest? What do you have at home that you'd like to have here?"

	"What do you mean?"

	"I mean if you're gonna move in here with me...and Mother, what do
you have at home that you'd like to move here?"

	"Clothes, I guess."

	"Is that all?"

	"I sold nearly everything I had before I went overseas. I...I
didn't expect to return home alive. I wasn't much of a soldier and I was
sure I'd be killed as soon as I got over there. Little did I know that I'd
be sent home, NOT in a wooden coffin, but with a less than honorable
discharge paper. Shit! If all the guys over there put down their weapons
and started sucking dicks, the war would be over in a week."

	"God! Wouldn't Bush and Cheney die over that? You know, I heard
that when Bush was in college, he swung both ways. Everyone knows that Karl
Rove is a closet queen and he's had his nose up Bush's ass WAY before Bush
ran for the Presidency...probably he had his dick up Bush's ass as well!"

	"It's funny, but a lot of the guys in our platoon used to surmise
the same thing!"

	"SO? All you need are clothes?"

	"That's about it!"

	"There's a Lord and Taylor downtown. Why don't we stop there once
we finish seeing the lawyer?"

	"Will, I can't afford to buy clothes from Lord and Taylor. Wal-Mart
is more my style."

	"That's bullshit! I'm not going ANYWHERE with you wearing clothes
from Wal-Mart!"

	"You're not going to support me! I DO have my pride!"

	"Yeah, and I have lots and lots of money! If we're gonna be seen in
public as a couple, you're gonna dress the part."

	"Yeah, but when the whole town finds out that you chose me over
Kathy, there won't be a place where we won't be stared at like a couple of
freaks!"

	"I know ONE place, Forrest!"

	"Where's that?"

	"St. Genesius. We'll fit right in."

	"But isn't that where your priest friend...?"

	"Chris will be MORE than glad to perform a commitment ceremony for
us in case Father Cliff isn't available!"

	"You want to make our union official?"

	"I was going to make mine and Kathy's official. So why not us?"

	"Will, I can't help but cringe when I think what your mother's
going to say about you and about us."

	"You two haven't even met yet. You've only heard her voice through
my bedroom door. Mother's gonna LOVE you!"

	"Yeah...I can hardly wait..." Forrest gulped in his throat.

<><><><><><><><><><>

	As Roger talked to Rob over the telephone concerning Hunter's
audition earlier in the day, six ears were straining to hear the
conversation, six eyes were staring to watch the expression on Roger's
face, and their mouths were opened wide gaping for a reply...those belonged
to Hunter, Lee, and Cliff as they waited anxiously for the answer from Rob
to Roger to then to them.

	"All right, Rob," Roger said. "I know that you and Tim are too
tired to go to dinner and then on to a show with us. Tell Billy and Marc
we'll be over to pick them up stat. Ask Marc if he will loan something
appropriate for him and Billy to wear to the theatre. I'm sure anything
Marc has will fit Billy. The two of them seem as conjoined as Siamese
twins. I dare not say where they're joined. I think all of us have a pretty
good idea but that's nothing to be expressed out loud!" Roger joked.

	"What are you guys going to see, Roger?"

	"Hunter wanted to see some dance show which is supposed to be a
really big hit!"

	"You can't mean, 'Heelz and Soulz'?"

	"That's the one!"

	"Good God! That's sold out for months. How in the world did you
get...I won't ask! I know damned well, you can get anything you set your
mind on," Rob replied. "The show is terrific. Tim and I saw it while it was
in previews. The guys in the show are fantastic!"

	"Well, coming from a New York critic, such as yourself, that's a
high recommendation."

	"Are you going to tell Hunter what I told you?"

	"He'll drop dead if I don't...only after I revive Cliff!"

	"Well, we'll see you soon! Billy and Marc will be ready!"

	"Thanks, son!"

	"You're welcome, Roger!"

	Roger hung up the phone.

	"WELL?" Cliff, all but shouted.

	"Rob said that 'Heelz and Soulz' was fantastic!"

	"We figured as much, you big lug!" Cliff said. "How did Hunter's
audition go?"

	"Oh, that..."

	"Yes, that!"

	"You want the good news or the bad news first?"

	"Uncle Roger, let's hear the bad news first..." Hunter said.

	"The bad news is like good news, I suppose. Call it good or bad,
but no decision was reached about the part of Sammy."

	"Then what's the good news, Uncle Roger," Lee chimed in.

	"The good news is that the part is narrowed down between Hunter and
one other young man."

	"Oh?" Lee said, something between disappointment and elation.

	"Is there another role whose name is Punky?"

	"Punky Givens! Flirt's boyfriend in the play. He's a fellow cadet
of Sammy's!" Hunter said.

	"You'd know more about this than I, Hunter," Roger tried to
explain. "Tim AND the director decided that the show, which is basically a
drama, needed some comic relief. After the audition today...WHICH you,
Hunter, made a very fine impression on EVERYONE, Tim decided that he might
enlarge the part of Punky and write a comedic song and dance for Punky and
his girlfriend."

	"FLIRT!" Hunter shouted. "That's a helluva good idea!"

	"At any rate, it would seem that ONE of you is going to play Sammy
and the other, Punky!  Either way, Hunter, you're gonna have your first
role on Broadway!"

	Hunter and Lee jumped up at the same time and screamed, "HOORAY!"
Hunter ran to Roger, hugged him and kissed him on the cheek. Then he turned
around and planted a bigger kiss on Lee's lips.

	"Hey!" Roger said, kidding, "How come Lee gets kissed in the mouth
and not me?"

	Cliff arose and walked to Roger. "That's because kissing you in the
mouth is my job and privilege!" Cliff put his arms around Roger and kissed
him. Both couples kisses were becoming more and more passionate.

	Roger broke away from Cliff long enough to say, "Are you sure we
all want to go to dinner and see a show afterward?"

	"What do you have in mind, Mr. Producer?" Cliff asked.

	"Well, Billy's bedroom is empty and so is ours. Hunter and Lee can
go into Billy's bedroom while you and I find something to do in ours."

	"Oh, no, my love! This is a night for celebration!" Cliff
said. "Besides, are you ready to face Billy when we don't show up to take
him and Marc to dinner and to the show?"

	"I guess you're right, Killjoy! Disappointing Billy would be hell
to pay," Roger replied, giving up. "What about RIGHT AFTER the show is
over?"

	"Then that might be a good time for us to find something to do in
our bedroom," Cliff said, giving Roger another quick kiss.

	"Lee! Can you believe it?" Hunter said, enthusiastically. "I went
to my first Broadway audition and got cast! How's that for aiming at the
bull's eye!"

	"I had no doubt that you wouldn't be cast, boyfriend. I knew that
if Tim had an eye for talent, he'd HAVE to choose you."

	"God, I love you!" Hunter said. "So many good things have happened
since I met you!"

	"And it's only the beginning, Hunter," Roger interjected. "Once my
lab scientists find a way to curb your HIV, you and Lee will have a long
happy life together just as Cliff and I."

	"Do you really think they'll find a cure?" Hunter asked.

	"With Roger's connection with the HIV/AIDS lab and my connection
with the Lord above, I definitely think a cure will be found!" Cliff added.

	Tears filled Hunter's eyes as he stood quietly in the middle of the
living room of Roger's Waldorf suite. He looked at Lee, then at Cliff, and
finally at Roger. Then, his tear ducts began to overflow as the dam broke
sending salty streams down his cheeks.

	"You know, when I met Lee, Monday, I happened to mention that I'd
had a dream of becoming a Briarwood Boy ever since I first heard about
them. Every gay guy I ever knew were always envious of Briarwood Boys
because all of their dreams seem to come true. Sure, it sounds like a
myth...something to hope for and dream about...that life in the gay world
can be good...when good things happen to you, but never in my widest
imagination would I dream that I could receive so many rewards in such a
brief span of time...LESS THAN A WEEK! I've found the love of my
life...Lee! I'm a member of a family who really loves me and cares what
happens to me...and to top it all off! I'm going to be on Broadway! Uncle
Cliff, if you will just say a prayer to God and ask him not to take any of
it away from me. I don't want to think something bad is going to happen and
I'm gonna wake up and find out it is all a dream like Dorothy in 'The
Wizard of Oz'".

	"I'll say that prayer for you, Hunter," Cliff said, tenderly. "But
everything that's happened to you this week...ALL came from the
Almighty. It was in His plan for you. Maybe the Lord feels you've suffered
enough and it's time to heap a few rewards upon you!"

	"I...I've never really been deeply religious, but I think I'm gonna
be from now on!" Hunter said, smiling through his tears.

	"Yes, Hunter," Lee said, "and just when I thought my world had come
to an end when Jake got killed, you came into my life to fill my
loneliness."

	"Uncle Cliff?" Hunter asked.

	"Yes?"

	"I've heard that you actually perform commitment ceremonies at your
church..."

	"Hundreds of them, Hunter?"

	"Do you think you could arrange one for Lee and me?"

	"Hey, WAIT!" Lee said. "You haven't even asked me to marry you!"

	"Do I HAVE to?"

	"Just to abide by tradition. In Texas, the boy usually asks his
bride-to-be's father for permission before asking her..."

	"Lee, you're NOT my bride and I've never ask you to be! We're both
guys and there's not one damned thing effeminate about either one of us! I
don't want you to be my HUSBAND either because I don't intend to be YOUR
husband."

	"Then what?"

	"I love that movie, 'Longtime Companion'."

	"Yes, but since we've only known each other for four days, how can
we be 'LONGTIME' companions?"

	"Hell, I don't know, but I'm sure Uncle Cliff will find the proper
names to call us."

	Cliff laughed, "I'll be happy to, Hunter."

	"YOU STILL HAVEN'T ASKED ME, MR. BROADWAY STAR!"

	"All right. Lee, will you be my companion to become my longtime
companion years from now?"

	"Yes, there's nothing I'd like more."

	"I have a JOLLY good idea, boys!" Roger spoke up.

	"Uh oh," Cliff responded.

	"Why don't you two have a commitment ceremony tomorrow...and since
you won't be going into rehearsals for a couple of weeks...why not come
with us to Mackintosh for a honeymoon? WAIT! I have a better idea! We could
use Jeff's church in Mackintosh for the ceremony!"

	"Roger, some of your ideas are far-fetched, but that is one of the
best you've ever come up with...IF Hunter and Lee are agreeable," Cliff
said.

	"How about it, little love?" Hunter asked. "Would you like to get
united in a church?"

	"It sounds like a great idea, but, wouldn't that be imposing on
Jeff?" Lee asked.

	"ARE YOU KIDDING?" Roger replied. "Jeff will fill his church with
gay guys. Johnny will decorate it with flowers or lollipops...ANYTHING you
want!"

	"Then, LET'S DO IT!" Lee said.

	All four of them cheered and gathered into a huddle, hugging,
kissing in a raucous celebration.

	"Well now, we'd better go get Billy and Marc and then OFF to a big
night on the town!" Roger exclaimed. "And Cliff, don't you forget about our
little plan in our bedroom later tonight."

	"The mood you're in, babe, I'm really looking forward to it!" Cliff
said.

<><><><><><><><><>

	Around lunch time, Ted drove over to St. Aloysius to see if Jeff
had plans for eating. Jeff was more than glad to see Ted, as usual, but
when Jeff came out of his office into the church he could hardly believe
his eyes.  He saw Ted kneeling before the statue of St. Jude, the Saint of
impossible tasks, and lighting an intercessory candle.  Jeff waited for Ted
to finish his prayer, and as Ted stood up he was surprised to see Jeff
standing there watching him.

	"Hey Jeff," Ted said, trying to cover his embarrassment.

	"Hey there, yourself, bro!" Jeff replied walking toward Ted to give
him a hug. "I...uh, hope there's nothing wrong..."

	"No, why would you ask that?"

	"Well, I had that altar of St. Jude erected for residents of
Mackintosh who felt that their cases were hopeless as far as HIV and AIDS
are concerned."

	"Oh? Is that St. Jude?"

	"Come on, buddy, you know damned well that that is St. Jude. You
were here when the Archbishop came to bless the altar."

	"Oh, THAT'S right, I remember."

	"Ted, you're too young for Alzheimer's or pre-mature senility, so
what gives. Perhaps if I knew the reason, I could seal your prayer with one
of my own."

	"Jeff, I...uh, well, actually, I...I wanted to know if you had
plans for lunch?"

	"I was SUPPOSED to meet Johnny but he had an emergency to attend to
at the center, so as it stands, I AM free for lunch."

	"Great! Could we go some place where we could talk in private while
we eat?"

	"It's a nice autumn day, why don't we go to a drive-thru and pick
up some food and go to the park and sit by the lake."

	"You and Alex are SO much alike as brothers. Both of you seem to
have the right answer for everything."

	"Both Alex and I were seeded and fertilized by the same parents. I
HOPE we're alike."

	"Ha! Sometimes when you're talking to Johnny, I feel as if it's
Alex talking to me. You say the same things in the same way..."

	"Johnny has often said that if he had chosen Alex over me, there
wouldn't be much difference."

	"Johnny and I, BOTH, chose winners! That's for sure!" Ted added.

	"So what kind of food are you hungry for?"

	"It doesn't matter, Jeff. What I have to say is more important than
what we eat."

	"This sounds serious, Ted."

	"It is...I don't want to tell you everything yet, but, what I have
to say could change both Alex's and my lives."

	"Shit! If that's the case, let's go get a couple of Wendy burgers,
fries, and shakes!"

	"Sounds good to me!"

	Jeff didn't bother to lock up the church as it stayed open 24/7
whether someone was there to attend to it or not. It was impossible to ever
know who needed to come to church to just sit and pray when someone was
upset or worried about his HIV or AIDS condition. So Ted and Jeff got into
Ted's car, stopped at Wendy's, got their quick-meals and drove out to the
park to find a picnic table near the lake.

	Jeff was right. It was unusually warm for an autumn day. The trees
were just starting to change colors and there was only an occasional breeze
to cool off the sun's warm rays.

	The two reached into the Wendy's bag and got a burger, fries, and a
shake and began to eat. Overhead, came the first sighting of Canadian
geese, perhaps, practicing their flying skills before it was time to
migrate southward.

	"Damn! It is so beautiful here, Jeff," Ted said. "I know my
position as Mayor of Mackintosh is merely a token appointment, but there's
no city on earth where I would rather be mayor."

	"Thanks to Roger, none of the four of us, has to rely on receiving
compensation for our jobs."

	"I swear, Jeff, that day when Roger assembled all of us Briarwood
boys to give us his endowments, it was like Roger was making EVERYTHING
possible for EVERY ONE of us."

	"I can't wait until he, Cliff, and Billy get here this weekend. I
miss them as much as I do, my Dad, at times."

	"Your dad and they are so closely bonded, it's easy to see how and
why you feel that way."

	"Have you eaten enough to go into your problem...if that's the real
reason you came to see me."

	"It's not actually a problem, Jeff, but it COULD become one."

	"Spill it, Ted."

	"Well, last night when you and Alex were in the kitchen, Johnny and
I had a long talk..."

	"Yes, I was curious to know why Johnny was kissing you when Alex
and I walked into the living room."

	"Ah, hell! You know we meant nothing by it."

	"I was hoping that you did. I mean, I kiss my brother occasionally,
just to remind him how much I love him. The four of us are family. Hell,
I've even kissed you a time or two."

	"Yeah, I know, but I just wanted to be sure..."

	"However, IF we had caught the two of you in bed or if Alex ever
caught you and me in bed together, that might require a discussion and some
explanations."

	"Oh? In that case, I'd better tell you. I'm leaving Alex and Johnny
is going to leave you and we're gonna move in together."

	Jeff smiled, "You idiot! That's exactly the same kind of thing
Johnny would say to me."

	"I was just joking..."

	"Don't waste your breath. I KNEW you were joking. So, what's this
life-changing dilemma to which you're confronted?"

	"Well, I DON'T want Alex to know, just yet. But, Johnny made me see
how selfish I've been in not going along with Alex when he talks about
adopting kids."

	"Johnny made you see the light? Praise the Lord!" Jeff shouted,
enthusiastically.

	"Hold on, bro...not just yet!"

	"Well, tell me."

	"I promised Johnny that I would call your dad this morning and
discuss the idea of adopting one or two kids that Daddy Walt might want
placed."

	"You called him?"

	"First thing this morning. Incidentally, he said that he and Daddy
Dave missed us terribly and hopes we can see each other real soon."

	"I'm hoping that he and Daddy Dave will get to come visit us at
Thanksgiving."

	"Just mention it to him and he and Daddy Dave will be on the next
air flight!"

	"So, did Dad say anything about kids who need adopting?"

	"Jeff, you know that there are ALWAYS kids that need a home."

	"Yes, but any in particular?"

	"He mentioned two...both about little Cliff and little Roger's
age."

	"That's WONDERFUL, Ted."

	"Well, you see, there IS a minor problem with BOTH of them..."

	"OH?"

	"Jeff, they're both HIV positive from their mother."

	"SO?"

	"I...I don't know if Alex would be willing to adopt sick kids."

	"You just said that Alex and I are exactly alike. I'd adopt them in
a heartbeat, Ted!"

	"You really don't think that would be a problem for Alex?"

	"Hell no!"

	"I...I told your dad that I would fly down to Briarwood and tell
Alex that I was going to visit my folks. I wouldn't tell Alex about the
kids until I had seen them."

	"What you're saying, Ted, is that YOU have misgivings about
adopting two HIV positive kids."

	"Yes, I guess I am. It's just that I've waited so long to say 'yes'
to Alex, I thought when we actually got around to adopting, they would be
healthy, normal kids. You know, just like your two. Of course, this is
something else to think about. With us four being so close, our kids and
your kids would play together..."

	"God, I hope so!"

	"But what about little Roger and little Cliff getting infected with
the virus."

	"Ted, you know that every Sunday morning when we bring our boys to
church, half of the congregation wants to pick them up and hold them and
about ninety percent of our parishioners have the virus. Johnny and I don't
worry one bit!"

	"So their playing together wouldn't be a problem?"

	"Not unless you make it a problem, Ted."

	"Your dad said that they're both beautiful. I'm really anxious to
see them. Your dad said that he would be proud to have them as his
grandsons."

	"Then, that's your answer. If my dad handpicked two children to be
his grandchildren, you should know that they are perfect for you and Alex."

	"You really think so?"

	"Ted, I KNOW so!"

	"Damn! You've made me so fucking happy, I feel like kissing you,
now!"

	"Ted, you've made me so happy, if you don't kiss me, I'll kiss
you!"

	Ted got up from the opposite side of the picnic table and rushed to
Jeff to kiss him.  Jeff looked at Ted and said, "WOW! If I had had my eyes
closed, I would swear that Johnny had just kissed me. SO? When are you
leaving for Briarwood?"

	"The first part of next week, BUT you won't say a word to Alex,
will you?"

	"No way, bro. When we get back to the church I may light up every
candle at every altar...and make the whole town of Mackintosh think that
St. Aloysius is on fire...praying prayers of thanksgiving."

	"Jeff?"

	"Yes."

	"If...if I DON'T like them, I don't ever want Alex to know the real
reason why I went to Briarwood."

	"I won't reveal your secret, Ted, but, fair warning...you're GONNA
like 'em!"

	"How can you be so sure?"

	"I just get these feelings when God starts working miracles,
especially through my dad, Cliff, or Roger. Cliff always says that our
lives together are guided by Divine Intervention and as long as I've known
Cliff, he's always been right!"

	"Damn! How I love you, Jeff!"

	"The same as I love you, Ted...Daddy Ted."

	Ted smiled warmly and gave Jeff another hug.


<><><><><><><><><><>

	Will and Forrest were sitting in Walter's office, both looking
nervous. Walter got up from his desk and walked around the room as he so
often had when addressing a jury with his final summation.

	"Forrest, I had the official charges against your friend, Barry,
faxed to me. I, also, received a copy of his confession. Then, I called a
friend of mine who used to be a JAG lawyer for advice," Walter said.

	"Yes, sir?" Forrest managed to speak.

	"The charges ARE serious, as you well know. It's not just that
Barry killed his wife in a mad rage, he also killed their three
children. Murder is a capital offense in the state of Virginia. Only Texas
has executed more prisoners than Virginia. Both are 'killer' states. Seldom
does anyone get off the charge of murder. By the way, some of Virginia's
laws are worse than Texas. In the state of Virginia, they allow the
executions of the mentally retarded, the severely brain damaged and the
mentally ill."

	"My God!" Forrest said.

	"The only possible defense I can use is that he is a recent veteran
from the Iraqi war. Post-traumatic-stress-syndrome has been in the
headlines, nearly every day and most jurors KNOW what it is. IF I can find
two or three military psychiatrists to say that that was the cause of
Barry's actions, there IS a chance I might could save him from being
executed and then he'll be sentenced for life to a mental facility for the
criminally insane."

	"Mr. Clayton?" Forrest said, softly.

	"I don't know if the jury would buy that defense or not."

	"What do you mean, Forrest?"

	"You see, Barry and I were discharged...less than honorably, from
the service."

	"THAT, I didn't know. Can I ask for what reason?"

	"This is SO embarrassing to say out loud to a total stranger,
but...Barry and I were caught engaging in homosexual activity. Then we were
sent home."

	"MY, MY! That does put this case in a new light. Does anyone else
know?"

	"Barry and I were so scared and ashamed, the only person that
knows, is Will."

	"Then what I have to say to you, Forrest, is...you mustn't go near
Barry until his trial is over. If word gets out about yours and his
discharge, the right-wing press will have a field day and make the entire
case about his being gay and not about his PSST."

	"I...I can't even phone him?"

	"Absolutely, NO CONTACT, whatsoever!" Walter said, sternly.

	"That would be almost like cruel and unusual punishment if he has
to go through this trial by himself."

	"Forrest, Barry will have ME...but NOT you. Understood?"

	"Yes, sir."

	"Will, I understand that you've been getting treatment at Cole
Institute."

	"Yes, sir," Will said.

	"Are you getting the kind of help that you need?"

	"Yes, sir. Dr. Herbert prescribed new medications for me. I'm being
counseled by Father Chris at St. Genesius, but I think the biggest help has
been seeing Forrest. As you know we were close buddies in Iraq."

	"Will has been a great support for me, too, Mr. Clayton," Forrest
added.

	Walter was sly and caught onto the picture sitting before him. He
had two gay sons, besides, having David as his own gay lover. Walter could
easily recognize it when two guys were in love.

	"Then, if there's some way that you, Forrest, could stay here or
somewhere AWAY from Richmond until this matter is settled...Perhaps,
Forrest could stay with you, Will?"

	"I...I've already spoken to Forrest about staying with me,
Mr. Clayton."

	"So, you're staying?" Walter asked Forrest.

	"I guess so, if you want me NOT to go near Barry."

	"Forrest, it's probably the only chance of saving Barry from being
executed."

	"Then, I'll definitely stay."

	"Mr. Clayton?" Lee interrupted.

	"Yes?"

	"About your fee?"

	"Yes?"

	"I...I'll pay you for whatever you charge," Will announced. Forrest
looked at Will, somewhat amazed and embarrassed until Will reached over and
placed his hand on top of Forrest's hand, resting on the arm of the chair.

	"Pardon my being so overly observant," Walter said, "but I DO
believe that you'll be a great support for one another."

	"Yes, sir," Lee and Forrest replied in unison.

<><><><><><><><><><>

	Will and Forrest left Walter's office feeling glum and happy at the
same time. They got into Will's BMW and Will headed toward Lord and Taylor.

	"Now, let's see about getting you some new duds," Will said,
stopping the car in the Lord and Taylor parking lot.

	"Will, I've already told you that I don't want you supporting
me. Is there an Old Navy Store nearby?"

	"Yes, it's right next door to the Gap and on the other side of the
Salvation Army Thrift Shop!"

	"Fine! Let's go there!"

	"Like hell, we will! You heard Walter Clayton. He thinks it's best
that you live with me and if you're gonna make a good impression on Valerie
Danforth, it's gonna be a GOOD impression, got it?"

	"Still..."

	"SHUT THE FUCK UP! We're not spending my mother's money. We're
spending my DAD'S money...the money he left to me."

	"Will, can I ask a personal question?"

	"Sure, but I already thought you knew the size of my dick!"

	"Asshole! I KNOW how big your dick is!"

	"Then, what's 'personal' that you don't already know about?"

	"OK! Will...are you a millionaire? I mean, did your dad leave you
that much money?"

	"If you're gonna be my partner, then you should know that my dad
left me MORE than a million and except for buying a couple of cars, I have
the rest of it in the bank!"

	"Then if you're so fucking rich, why in God's name did you go to
Iraq?"

	"My dad was a military man...so was his father and his father's
father! I had to go just to fulfill the one requirement in Dad's will."

	"Shit! He expected you to get killed before you got what he left
you?"

	"My dad died before Bush got into office. Had my dad known that
Bush was going to start his own war, I'm sure my dad would never've added
that caveat!"

	"I...I feel so bad, turning my back on Barry. I loved him...or at
least I thought I did. I just hope that Mr. Clayton makes Barry
understand."

	"He will. He's the best lawyer this side of the Mississippi. I'm
sure he'll do all he can to help Barry, but if saving Barry's life means
his giving up you, then, it's worth it for Barry!"

	"I don't mean this in a snide way, but speaking of executions, what
do you think's gonna happen when Kathy tells your mother what she saw?"

	"Kathy WHO?"

	They both got out of the car and went inside Lord and Taylor's.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

(To be continued in Briarwood---Book Nine--'a new heaven and a new
earth'-chapter 103.)