Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 21:57:23 -0400
From: Lee Mariner <mariner23502@hotmail.com>
Subject: An Orphan - Chapter #17

AN ORPHAN
By
Lee Mariner

May 2002

DISCLAIMER: This is a gay fictional fantasy and
depicts homosexual acts between adult men. IF YOU
ARE NOT OF LEGAL TO READ THIS TYPE OF STORY OR YOU
DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERIAL, PLEASE LEAVE.

All characters depicted are fictional and in no way
related to any person or persons living or
deceased.

ENGAGING IN UNPROTECTED SEX CAN LEAD TO LIFE
THREATENING CONSEQUENCES AND SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

This work is copyrighted by the author and may not
be reproduced in any form by any person without the
specific written consent of the author. It is
assigned to the Nifty Archives under the terms of
their submission agreement but it may not be copied
or archived on any site without the authorization
of the author.

Copyright: 2002 - Author: Lee Mariner - All Rights
are reserved.

Mariner23502@hotmail.com

* * * * * * * * * *

Chapter #17

Stewart and I sat of the couch sorting the papers
from my attache case after I had freshened our
drinks. The two Audit/Inventories lay side by side
and the differences were obvious. The cover pages
did not match and the dates were almost 4 months
off. The contents of the two files did not match
but the difference in the paper that had been used
in the printing of the documents was of a different
quality. Stewart was leafing through the pages
while I sorted out the various documents pertaining
to legitimacy of my being the only heir, various
listings of banks and investments that were all
part of the estate. All of it was mind-boggling and
I sure was glad that Stewart and Robert knew more
about it then I did.

"Clyde, the more I look at these two inventories
the less I like it. The Audit done by Ingles-
Summers & Simpson in Omaha was done three months
before your uncle died and shows the West Point
property as being part of the estate. The Audit
that Dickson sent us was done was done by the same
firm but its cover sheet indicates it was done by
the local office in Lincoln and after your uncle's
death. It shows the farm as still part of the
estate but listed as part of a wholly owned
subsidiary called West Point Associates in West
Point with a value of $3.7 million and with an
option on purchasing the Branston with good faith
money of $1.3 million in an escrow account. Damn,
these are the two main documents Robert is going to
need."

Devon hadn't come back yet from filling the liquor
cabinet in Robert's room. It was not until later we
found he was filling more then a liquor cabinet.

* * * * * * * * * *

Robert returned to his darkened room tossing his
robe on the bed, he hadn't opened the drapes after
Brian left but the light coming from the connecting
door and that filtering in around the closed drapes
was enough and he went on into the bathroom.
Finished relieving himself, he washed his hands and
reached for a hand towel standing in front of a
large full length mirror.  He looked at his
reflection as he dried his hands seeing a well-
built man of 30, 6' with broad shoulders, well
muscled chest, arms, legs and a flat hard stomach.
His hips were narrow and a very thick light brown
almost dirty blond pubic bush covering his pelvis
and framing a very respectable almost 8" cock when
erect with a thick base, smooth shaft and foreskin
covered pink head. A small drop of urine still
lingered and he shook it off feeling a light cock
thickening surge as he did. "Damn" he thought
thinking about Stewart. "Except for a few years and
a being a little heavier we could be twins."

The slight bulge he had seen in Stewart's crotch
made him think they were probably about the same
size & they both were uncut.  He didn't lust for
Stewart but that thought brought back memories of
when he had jerked Stewart off and the many times
afterwards that they could have done it together
and learned more about each other but didn't
because he was ashamed at having touched him and
afraid to admit he might be gay and had enjoyed it.

Maybe he and Stewart could get to know each other
better in the next few days he thought as he hung
the towel back on the rack.

Running his fingers through his hair as he walked
toward his bedroom he heard the clink of glass on
glass and stopped in the doorway seeing someone
pushing a cart through the open connecting door
from Stewart and Clyde's rooms. He stood there
frozen realizing he was naked, silhouetted in the
lighted doorway and watched as the door was slowly
closed throwing the room into semi-darkness. He
recognized the young man he had seen earlier in the
lobby when they had arrived and he inhaled deeply
filling his lungs & a wave of excitement flowed
through him. His mind raced for a moment
remembering Stewart had said the young man had
asked about him downstairs.

Leaving the light on in the bath, Robert moved into
the soft darkness his semi-hard cock swinging in
front of him. The excitement grew inside of him at
the thought of being caught naked as Devon pushed
the cart closer stopping a few feet away.

"Your brother asked me to take care of you first
Mr. Ricksford, my name is Devon."

"I know Devon, Stewart told me." Robert said softly
as he moved around the cart meeting Devon taking
him in his arms.

"You don't mind do you Devon?"

"It's what I was hoping for." Devon said as his
fingers wrapped around Robert's steel hard cock,
lifting his face to him.

Their lips met in a soft and then crushing kiss as
tongues plunged into opened mouths sucking the air
from each other. Robert felt hard lean muscles
under Devon's shirt as he pulled him closer driving
his hard cock against the cloth covered hard bulge
trapped inside tight trousers.

Breaking their kiss, Devon quickly started removing
his shirt and kicked his loafers and trousers from
around his ankles. They stood looking at each other
breathing hard running hands over hard muscled
bodies & moving to the bed laying on it.

Devon was Robert's height but his body was lean
hard muscle with cut definition. His thick cut
cock, a little smaller then Robert's lay on his
stomach.

"I wanted you when you came in the lobby with
Stewart and Clyde and I asked Stewart if you were
his brother. God you made me hot just watching you
move. I just knew I had to get to know you better
Mr. Rick..." and then he felt fingers cover his
lips.

"Call me Robert.  I was thinking the same thing
about you.  Stu told me you asked about me. I
didn't think I'd see you this quick though."

"I don't have much time for anything right now
Robert, Martineze knows I came up here. Jesus you
feel great next to me. Maybe we can get together
later if you want too after I get off work?"

"Devon, I want you probably as much as you want me
so for now lets just lay here for a few minutes and
then later we can spend more time together."

Robert and Devon lay with each other exploring
their bodies and kissing. Pre-cum was dripping from
steel hard cocks each time they touched, their
passions rising.

Suddenly Devon sat up, looking down at Robert. "Now
Robert, not later, now. I want to take you now" he
said as he lowered his lips taking his hard cock in
his mouth slowly letting it slide in and down his
throat.

Robert gasped loudly sucking air between clinched
teeth his cock filling Devon's mouth and throat.
Reaching for his hips he pulls at Devon and he
twists his body around. Not taking his mouth from
Robert's hard throbbing cock he stretches beside
him and pushes his cock at Robert's face feeling it
being devoured inch by inch until his thick pubic
hair pressed against his chin and lower lip. They
both lay quietly for a moment breathing deeply
before slowly sliding their hot rods in and out
gripping lips sucking in a steady rhythm as they
drove their cocks deep in a gentle plunging
movement.

Both young men groan feeling the heat surging
upwards from churning balls as their muscles slowly
tighten their impending volcanic explosions
hardening and swelling already thick cock. Ecstatic
shocks rush through them as their backs arch and
great gushing rivers of molten hot sperm flow spasm
after spasm, straining muscles controlling their
bodies as the streams of their bodily fluids are
consumed.

With a final surge they both collapsed still
holding wilting softening cocks with tight lips
draining stripping the last of the sperm that had
surged from now tight ball sacs.

Robert falls away from Devon on his back, his heart
racing in the intense after glow of the euphoric
feelings washing over him his breathing slowly
returning to normal. Feeling Devon release him and
twisting around he opens his eyes seeing his
gleaming brown eyes looking into his as his full
luscious lips cover his. Opening their mouth they
kiss and taste their sperm mixing with saliva that
they both swallow.

"I hate doing that too you Robert but I couldn't
wait. I don't care if Martineze does have a fit. I
better get dressed and go though."

"Who in hell is this Martineze Devon?"

"Ask Stewart and Clyde, they'll tell you all about
him. I'll leave the liquor cart here and get it
later." Devon said as he dressed quickly kissing
Robert. "I'll see you at dinner and then later if
you want."

Devon slipped out the door closing it quietly
leaving Robert naked and leaning on his elbows.

Robert jumped out of bed his still slightly hard
cock swinging and took a quick shower. Snapping the
lights on he dresses in tennis shorts and pullover
and takes a few bottles of assorted liquors and
mixes from the cart that Devon had left putting
them in the cabinet next to the refrigerator.

He felt good and pushed the cart to the door
sliding it back.

* * * * * * * * *

Stewart and I were going through papers when we
heard the connecting door slide back and looking up
the cart that Devon had been pushing came through
but Robert was pushing it and he had a big smile on
his face.

"Hey big brother" Stu exclaimed. "When did you
start working for the hotel? Where's Devon, don't
tell me he left like Brian did?

"He left through the same door but not like Brian
did. I don't know which one of you told him to take
care of the liquor cabinet in my room but he knows
how to fill more then a liquor cabinet. Damn Stu, I
haven't felt so alive in months."

I couldn't help but smile at the excitement Devon
had obviously caused with Robert and Stu was almost
beside himself as he hugged his brother kissing him
on the cheeks.


"Clyde sent him over first Rob, you looked like you
needed cheering up. Devon seems like a nice kid, we
don't know that much about him except he is gay. He
spotted you right away and asked about you but I
told you that already. Are you going to see him
again?"

Robert surprised me with his next move. He sat next
to me on the couch and he gave me a big hug,
kissing me on the lips not the cheek. It wasn't a
passionate kiss but the kind you give someone you
like and have feelings for.

"We'll have to work on that Rob, not quite as good
as Stu but it will do for now." I said ducking the
pillow Stu threw at me and we all laughed.

"I've been wanting to do that since I arrived.
Don't get mad at me Stu, he's all yours but don't
forget Clyde's my brother-in-law now so I get a
little leeway."

Stu stood there looking at his brother beaming and
his eyes glowed with the love he had for him.
Inside of me I had a feeling this was going to be a
real reunion and bonding between them, I sure hoped
so for Stewart's sake and Roberts, they needed each
other. I felt deep warmth inside of me as I
listened, looking at the two of them. The thought
went through my mind that the Orphan now had two
where not long ago he had no one.

* * * * * * * * *

Robert and Stewart were hugging each other and I
couldn't help but notice that except for a few
years and a couple of pounds they could be twins.
They both had light brown hair, blue eyes and about
the same height and builds. Broad shoulders, narrow
waists with flat hard stomachs. Their thighs were
muscular and had a light covering of hair that
glittered almost golden in the light.  I knew how
big Stu was and from the bulge in Roberts crotch he
was probably about the same if not a little bigger.

Leaning back with my arms extended over the back of
the couch I gazed at them until Stu turned his head
to me.

"What are you so deep in thought about? When you
sit looking like that I can tell all kinds of
things are going through your head."

"Nothing serious, just how much you two are alike.
Have you ever really looked at yourselves? If
Robert dropped a few pounds and changed his hair
style a little you couldn't tell each other apart
except up close."

"We are brothers you know and some do look pretty
much alike."

"I know Robert but you and Stu are pretty close to
being twins."

"Well I do remember when he was 13 or 14 I caught
him playing with himself. I had to finish it and he
was pretty big then. Hope he has grown some since."

"I have big brother, you should have stuck around
and you might have found out how big."

"That was my fault Stu, not yours. I didn't know
what I was back then and it scared the hell out of
me when I enjoyed playing with you. Took me until
after Daphne was born and Marie had her tubes tied
off without telling me before I really knew. She
didn't want sex and that was more frustrating then
you can imagine. What was even more frustrating was
wanting sex with men and not knowing why or what I
could do about it. Your friend Scott caught me at a
very bad time and then you caught us in bed. He
told me you wouldn't mind or I never would have
done it. I thought I had lost you after that
Stewart. Marie had a hysterectomy and I found out
she didn't need it. She went stone cold after
Daphne was born."

"Robert, why are you telling me this? After all
these years you're talking with me, why?"

"Because we never talked before and it was my fault
not yours. I was scared of being gay and touching
you and liking it scared me even more. Who could I
talk with? I was in college you were in private
school and when I was home you were growing and
those feelings kept screwing me up. Mom was in her
own world and Dad worked, worked all the time. Who
could I turn to Stewart? You were gay and you knew
it, I knew it but how could I tell you about me. I
didn't know what I was or what I wanted. I was
angry and jealous. "

Stewart sat looking at his brother and glanced over
at me a hurt look in his eyes. Robert had bared his
soul and Stewart didn't know what he should do.

Scooting over by Stewart I took him in my arms and
whispered in his ear, "go over, hug him and tell
him you love him, you know you do. Get this over
between you now or you might lose each other
altogether and you don't want that."

Stu stood up looking at me and I urged him on. He
walked to Robert and sat on the arm of his chair
pulling his head into his lap stroking his hair.

"Robert, you are my older brother, my only brother.
Nothing is going to change that, not sex or
anything. What's done is done and we really only
have each other. Look at me please."

Robert lifted his face to Stewart and he leaned
down kissing him on his lips gently, softly. "I
love you big brother, I always have and always
will. We'll get through all of this together."

Reaching up, Robert pulled Stewart down into his
lap burying his head in his chest, his body heaving
as he cried holding Stu tight. Stewart kissed his
brothers hair, running his hand over his back and
neck while I went to the bar and fixed three strong
drinks. Sitting them on the table, I put my arms
around the two of them and kissed Stewarts upturned
face and then I kissed Robert.

"How about a drink and then we look at these
papers?"

"Damn Clyde where did Stewart find you? Don't you
ever get upset?"

"Sometimes Robert but I don't have a brother that
pisses me off. But that might change now that I
have you two but I'm bigger than both of you."

"Not put together you aren't Clyde, I know."

"See, one lawyer is not enough I've got two."

* * * * * * * * *

After we finished our drinks, the three of us sat
on the couch with Robert in-between us. Stewart had
the two audits in front of him since they seemed to
be the main documents we needed to discuss.  The
rest of the papers related mostly to my background
and ancestry. This was for Robert and Stewart to go
over not me so I fixed myself another drink taking
a bottle from the cart that Devon had left behind.

Robert was leafing thorough the audits checking
items off and making notes.

"When did you say the probate hearing was Stu?"
Robert said making some more notes as he spoke.

"In a week, I think next Friday. Isn't that what
Dickson said Clyde?"

"I believe your right. We are supposed to meet with
him tomorrow but that's not for anything doing with
the probate hearing. We are supposed to be going
over the papers you and I asked him about the other
night, remember? The duel ownership, rights of
survivorship, that stuff."

"He suggested you do that Clyde?"

"He sort of hinted about it Robert but I had
already been thinking about it and really wanted it
done that way."

"I wonder if he has checked Nebraska law and knows
how it applies to a gay relationship? From what I
know of Dickson, he operates a general law practice
specializing in real estate."

"He is supposed to be bi-sexual so maybe he knows
something about it."

"He's supposed to be a bi-sexual Stu? How do you
know that?"

"A new friend of ours, that you will be meeting,
told us about it.  He is supposed to be having an
affair with Martineze here in the hotel."

"Martineze, that name again. Devon mentioned him a
little while ago. At first he was worried about
being gone to long for fear this Martineze would
get pissed and then he said to hell with him in so
many words. I asked him who he was but he told me
to ask you two."

"Sounds like you helped him get over being afraid
of Matineze." Stu said softly placing his hand over
Roberts.
"I hope so, Devon seems like a hell of a nice young
man. He helped me realize some things but we'll
talk about that later. Right now I want to find out
more about this Martineze and his relationship with
Dickson. What time is your appointment tomorrow
Stu?"

The wall between Stewart and Robert was melting but
I could see he had a bone in his teeth and was like
a Terrier. His eyes had intensity in them as he
studied the audit documents. Right then, I decided
I was glad he was my lawyer and friend.

"At 10:00, why? You're going with us aren't you?"

"None of us are going, we call him in the morning
and cancel. I'm still your lawyer Clyde until the
probate hearing is closed. Right now, my advice is
nothing is signed until we get a better handle on
just why there are these differences in the two
audits. I brought my laptop with me and we can set
up the link with the office and our main database.
Joy will help us at that end if we need it."

"What ever you say Robert. That's why Stewart
called you."

"I'm glad he did. Stu, do me a favor, will you get
my attache case from my room? I forgot about it
pushing the liquor cart over."

"You sure that's all that made you forget it?"

"Get the case for me you imp or I'll spank you!!"

"Gee, I bet that would be fun?" Stewart managed to
say as he dodged a playful blow to his shoulder.

We watched as Stewart crossed the floor, opening
the door. Robert turned and looked at me when he
disappeared through the door.
"Thanks Clyde, you have been a big help to me and
Stewart. I've always loved him but not as much as I
do now."

"I didn't do anything Rob, you and he did that. You
just needed the time and the place to get it all
out. He was just as confused as you except he knew
what he was and you were still trying to find out."

"Well, you had a lot to do with it whether you
realize it or not. I sure am happy he has you for
support and love. Lord knows I didn't do much in
helping him."

"He has that Rob and you do too if you want it.
Just stop beating yourself up and realize how much
he does love you."

Robert was about to say something when there was a
knock at the door and I got up too answer it as
Stewart walked back into the room.

"Cody, Adam. Come on in and meet Stu's brother
Robert. Aren't you guys a little early? Not that it
matters."

"Just a little Clyde. Adam & I thought we might be
able to get a head start with a cocktail or two
before dinner. Where's Stu's brother, not this good
looking hunk sitting here?" Cody said sweeping in
the room with Adam following shaking his head.

"You have to forgive him Clyde. He's not like this
all of the time, we had a drink or two before
leaving the house."

Robert had gotten to his feet as Cody and Adam
entered the room, he looked almost thunderstruck.
Before introductions could be made Cody made a
beeline for him and ignoring his outstretched hand
he gave him a bear hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Is this Robert or Stewart? Damn there are some
good-looking men back east. I'm just kidding
Robert, Cody Walton. Nice meeting you, Stu told us
you were on the way here."

"Cody, your forgetting Clyde and Stewart. Hi
Robert, Adam Dowell, Cody's other half. Nice
meeting you and I must agree with his initial
observation."

"I'm flattered you think so, its nice meeting the
both of you. Unfortunately they didn't tell me much
about you. Nebraska seems to have some good lookers
as well as back home."

"Aren't we just full of praise for each other? If
you want a drink there's the fixings. We were going
over some of the stuff and trying to figure out
what's going on. Stu was getting Roberts attache
case when you guys knocked."

"You must be having a hard time figuring it out if
you need your own liquor cart besides the cabinet."

Oh that, Devon brought it up and left it Cody.
Roberts's liquor cabinet was empty and ours was
low. Clyde and I got the papers together while he
filled Robert's first but he left it here since he
was running short on time and Martineze was being a
piss ant or something like that."  Stu said
glancing at Robert with a grin.

"Martineze, that name seems to pop up quite a bit.
What do you and Adam know about him, he seems to
have a prominent place in things around here."
Robert said while fixing a drink of Schweppes Tonic
and ice with a dash of limejuice.

Stewart walked around the couch and sat on the arm
next to me, his arm draped over my shoulders.
Robert turned from the bar looking at Cody and Adam
waiting for an answer to his question. Both Cody
and Adam glanced at each other before Cody
answered.

"What do you want to know Robert? Do you want facts
or rumor?"

"Just give me an overlook of who Martineze is Cody.
Tell me what you told Stewart and Clyde."

Cody told basically the same story he had told Stu
and I about the kickbacks from various
tour/sightseeing agencies cutting him out, his
sexual involvement with Dickson and his own
philandering with hotel employees.  The biggest
thing was his bragging about taking over the
Branston and soon.  The gay community in Lincoln
was a pretty tight knit group and just about
everyone knew of the relationship Martineze and
Dickson had. Dickson's proclivity for sex with men
outside of his marriage was not a well-kept secret.

"The both sound like real beauties. I'd like to
know more about Dickson though. If anything were
not above board he would be the one behind it.
Martineze sounds like a sexual predator who uses
his position for seducing young men. I can see now
why Devon was concerned about being gone for very
long if Martineze is all you say he is."

Cody and Adam were looking at each other
quizzically at Robert mentioning Devon's name not
sure what they should say. I grinned, filling them
in.

"Devon helped Martineze out by bringing the cart
up. The kid that usually does it was not in. He
filled Robert's cabinet first but was concerned
about the way Martineze was acting so he left it
here. Remember Stewart mentioning it when you got
here?"
"I don't know why he would be worried about him,
not as many times as he has told Martineze to fuck
off and leave him alone Clyde. Devon doesn't work
for Martineze; the restaurant is not part of the
hotel. There is a restaurant chain that rents that
space from the Branston family. Part of the deal as
I understand it is that the Branston's wouldn't let
the chain put it's name on the restaurant and it
was named "The Lincoln Room". The chain people
wanted the prestige of having a restaurant in one
of the few 5 Star/Diamond Rated hotels in Nebraska
so they have a lease with the family for that space
and the right to add the Lincoln Room on their
corporate stationary as being operated by them. It
was a big hassle for a while until it was settled.
Lincoln wanted the restaurant to locate in the city
but they couldn't force the family to allow them to
do what they wanted. There has always been a
restaurant in the hotel but it was operated like a
family run business. Adam and I studied about it in
our business courses in school. There have been
rumors that the chain might pull out when the lease
expires, they aren't that happy. If they pull out,
the value and rating of the Branston will fall for
sure."

"Damn Cody, you two are full of information, the
kind a lawyer needs. Right now I am starved, when
are we going for dinner?"

"Right now big brother, I'm hungry myself. Change
into a pair of slacks with shoes the shirts fine,
while Clyde and I get changed. You guys be okay for
a few minutes?"

"Awwwwwwww we were hoping we could watch. Go ahead,
were alright." Adam said grinning at the way Robert
looked at him before leaving.

* * * * * * * * *

Stewart and I changed our shorts for slacks and
added slip on loafers. When we got back in the
living room, Cody and Adam were using the time for
a little petting and our walking in did not stop
them but must have given Stu ideas. He spun around
and melted into my arms pressing his luscious lips
to mine in a tongue-devouring kiss. We pressed
tight against each other until we heard Robert and
broke apart just a little embarrassed.

"I little dessert before dinner. You guys have an
advantage I don't."

"Only for a little while Robbie." Stewart said as
he walked over gave Robert a little peck on the
lips. Adam and Cody still not fully aware of what
was going on. We had not mentioned Robert's
sexuality, no reason for it.

Devon was standing at the doorway for the Lincoln
Room when we got off the elevator. His eyes lit a
little when he saw Robert and Stu and I grinned at
him giving him a wink. I think he blushed just a
little.

"Your table is ready Stewart, Hi Cody, Adam, good
seeing you again. You won't mind if I serve you
will you? We are just a little short handed right
now. Two girls called in with family problems."

Just as we started into the restaurant we heard
Martineze calling.

"Mr. Ricksford, Mr. Ricksford."

Stewart and Robert both turned toward him and
Stewart asked which Ricksford he wanted, there were
two of them.

"I'm sorry, I forgot for a moment. Mr. Dickson has
called for your brother Robert. I tried his room
but there was no answer. I told him you weren't
answering & he said you might be with your brother
but he wanted to talk with you. When I tried your
room again, the phone was busy so he asked that you
call him, I have his number here."

"Who is Dickson and why would he be calling for me?
No one knows I'm here except my secretary and my
father."

"Mr. Dickson is the attorney handling some legal
affairs about his inheritance. I assumed that is
why you are here. I'm sure he must have called your
office in Baltimore and they directed him here."

"Your probably right." Robert said taking the card
with Dickson's number on it. "I'll call him in the
morning."

"He did say it was urgent that he contact you. I
assured him you were here so he probably will call
back."

Robert turned looking at Martineze his eyes
flashing the same way Stewarts did when he was
angry. The rest of us stood waiting and we could
see his body tense and click into his lawyer mode.

"Do you make it a habit of divulging who your
guests are and there whereabouts Martineze? Are you
aware that you may have committed a Federal
violation involving invasion of privacy by telling
him or anyone who is staying in this hotel without
that guests permission?"

The cold even tones that Robert spoke in and his
piercing blue eyes made Martineze flinch just a
little and a quick flash of fear was exposed for
instance as he stammered.

"I'm sorry Mr. Ricksford, I thought I was being
helpful. I really hope you aren't upset?"

"Before you are helpful in the future you might
want to learn what the laws are that govern
invasion of privacy and the rights of your guests.
Right now I am going in for dinner with my brother
and his friends. If Dickson calls again you may
tell him I am having dinner and that I will call
him tomorrow. Do you understand that?" Robert said
coldly as he turned on his heel not waiting for an
answer from a very confused and embarrassed
Martineze.

There was a lot of grinning and smiling but no one
said anything as Devon escorted us to our table. I
for one was becoming more impressed with Robert by
the minute but Stewart was absolutely beaming with
pride. I think that wall fell completely and he
would have hugged him if we weren't in public. I
thought for a minute he was about too anyway even
after we sat down.

"Devon, would you have a bottle or two of Martini &
Rossi Asti?"

"I think we do Robert."

"Good, bring them in ice buckets please and bring a
glass for yourself."

"Drinking on duty is not allowed, I can't do that
Rob."


"This is a special night for Stewart and I Devon
and I know he has one very, very special person
here with us and I think three others that are
going to become fast friends with the three of us.
So maybe you can bend the rules a little tonight?"

"Robert?" Stu said looking at his brother. "You
look like you did when you won the Merckles Meat
case back home. What are you up too?"

"Not a thing Stu. I told you earlier that I haven't
felt so alive in months and you and Clyde are the
cause of it. I should probably get out of the
office more on some of the cases we've had instead
of letting others do it. In the last 15 minutes or
so, I have learned as much as if I would go over
stacks of papers. I had forgotten what it is like
to be on the investigative end of a legal action."

"Robert, Adam & I aren't lawyers but what did you
learn talking with Martineze other then you scared
the crap out of him? We heard what you heard."

"The biggest thing was that Martineze is Dickson's
pipeline. Dickson never called our office in
Baltimore for two reasons. Joy would never tell him
or anyone where any of us are at. She knows where
we are but if she got a call like that she would
very deftly advise Mr. Dickson or who ever called
that we were unavailable, take their name, number
and the reason they would be calling. She would
then call and tell us. Joy has our cell phone
numbers and knows why I am here and she knew Clyde
and Stewart were in Lincoln but not where they
would be staying, Dickson set that up for them. I
told Joy where we would be but she won't call us on
the hotel phones; those phones have ears other then
yours. The only way Dickson could have known that
Stewart is my brother is that Martineze told him
when I arrived and that I was here."

"But Robert, our name is Ricksford."

"Does not mean a thing Stu. We have never met him.
I did most of our business with Mr. Goldman his
partner. Dickson may know my name from reading it
where I signed the certification documents but
that's all, he has never heard of you in connection
with the firm. He only knows there are two people
named Ricksford at the Branston and that could be a
coincidence as far as he is concerned. He is either
a damned good guesser or Martineze had to tell him.
In either case, he knows it now so what. Here's
Devon with the wine."

"And you thought being a lawyer was easy." Adam
said looking at Cody.

"The easy part is tomorrow Adam, what follows will
be harder. By answering a question with a question
I learned a few things but the sweet meat is closer
to the bone and some dogs bury their bones pretty
deep." Robert said as Devon poured wine for each of
them.

* * * * * * * * *

"There is nothing we cannot live down, rise above,
and overcome."

                         Ella Wheeler Wilcox