Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:09:28 +0000 (UTC)
From: jim ford <sojourn1950@yahoo.com>
Subject: Change of Heart, chapter thirteen

This story is fiction.

The characters are adults in adult situations.

Warnings: The only person you can ever hope to truly know is
yourself. Trust no one; use condoms.

If you are not of legal age or in a jurisdiction in which this document is
illegal, go way.

This is my story. Please respect the copyright. If you enjoy it, let me
know.

Please donate to Nifty. Surely these tales are worth, at least, a couple of
fast food meals.

Nifty Stories Archive Donation
http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html


Author's Note: This chapter includes the antithesis of a happy ending. Yes,
that's right the dreaded cliffhanger. But wait, there's more! I think I may
have captured the illusive and much maligned compounded cliffhanger.  You
tell me. Yes tell me what you think about the confounded compounded
cliffhanger.


Chapter thirteen



Jeff guided Paul to the passenger side of the Tahoe. As he opened the door
he caught a grin creeping across Paul's face. "I don't give a fuck if they
think you're my girlfriend or not. Just get in." Paul was amazed that he
had found something to smile about on this, of all days.

As Jeff drove down the dirt road away from the abandoned ranch house, Paul
kept his eyes focused straight ahead. He was grateful he would never have
to see that place again. "Do you think it's all over? I mean, I know we
will be questioned tomorrow. I mean... after it was over... after I knew he
was dead, I figured we would be taken to jail and have to put up bail or
even be held without bail. My God! What would have happened to Maria? What
if I go to jail tomorrow! The county will take her! Jeff! I can't let that
happen! What am I gonna do?"

"Babe, Relax! They had no reason to hold you. It would have been possible
grounds for a harassment lawsuit if the Sheriff had taken you two in. That
State Trooper said as much himself. Unless they come up with unrelated
charges, you have nothing to worry about."

When we get home I'll draw up a power of attorney to place Maria in my care
should anything happen to you... Better yet we'll make Uncle Joe and Aunt
Mellie her primary guardians. They are a solid, heterosexual couple, well
established in the community. No one can object to them taking care of a
little girl. Whereas, a judge might not be inclined to relinquish care to a
single gay man who hasn't lived in the area for the last three years. I'll
make sure I am added, just in case.

"It's a good thing Maria is spending the night with Aunt Mellie. This way
you can freak out if you need to."

That seemed to immediately lesson Paul's anxiety. "I can almost see it
now. That asshole Sheriff convincing a judge not to let some queer get near
an innocent child. Even if the child is female. How did that man ever get
elected?

"I cringed the every time the bastard looked at us. I think he would have
gladly shot us both if he had half a chance and the flimsiest of excuses.

"The way Dave told him off didn't help any. I really thought he was going
to handcuff him after he called him "Daddy". I can't see him how anyone
could confuse him with professional lawmen like Danny and that State
Trooper.

"Having met him, It's easy to believe he blew off investigating the fire
despite the presence of the out of place gas can. That certainly didn't
make him look good when Danny showed him Morgan's fingerprints from that
same gas can."

"Well, we'll get the POA taken care of and tomorrow I'll be by your side
along with Uncle Raymond and some of the finest criminal defense legal
minds Texas has to offer."

"Jeff, I don't know how to thank you and your family for all you do for
us. Joe and Mellie practically adopted us the minute Julie sent us out to
the ranch to ask about renting a house. We didn't even have any
furniture. I still don't know how she convinced me to drive out there
unannounced. We had just settled into a month by month apartment. I shudder
even now to think about what constitutes "furnished" in those
apartments. Unless, of course, you include cockroaches.

"Given what I know now, there's a good chance Morgan would have killed me
and Maria, if not for you. I would never have had the presence of mind to
squeeze that trigger as I did without Ilya's training. Not to mention
having a reliable handgun.

"You came into our lives like some Christmas Spirit determined to make our
lives better. In spite of all the bad things that have happened lately,
knowing you love me and Maria, like we love you makes it all bearable."

Jeff was a little too choked up to respond, so he clasped Paul's hand in
his and brought it to his lips for a tender kiss.

As they pulled into the drive Jeff nodded to indicate a gleaming, turquoise
and white,1970, F-150 pickup, "Looks like Tom has come back early. I was
hoping he would stay there at least through Christmas like he had
planned. He only gets to see his nieces and nephews once a year."

Paul got out of the Tahoe too quickly for Jeff to even think about coming
around and getting his door. Inside they found Tom and Rosarita in the
family room sipping coffee and ignoring "Good Morning Abilene" on the
tv. While Pup nested at Tom's feet. All of them jumped up to greet the new
arrivals. Rosarita wrapped her arms around Paul in a quiet but firm show of
support. She had already talked to Fred so she and Tom knew about the
shooting.

Tom had arrived in time to follow the Police. By the time he got there the
road had been blocked to all but through traffic. He decided to come wait
for them at Jeff's place.

Jeff having checked with Paul, assured Rosarita they were not hungry and
that they would see her for breakfast. She got the guys fresh coffee and
then excused herself.

Tom, having stood since the two arrived, began pacing back and forth in
front of the sofa upon which the hand holding couple were seated. Finally
he seemed to gather his thoughts and faced the two, "I want you both to
know how sorry I am that all this shit happened. If I had any idea that
bastard was bat shit crazy, I would have never have put him to work here at
the ranch. Let alone take him as a roommate. Having sex with him was never
the reason I gave him a job. I just thought I was helping out a man who was
down on his luck. I never knew he had any feelings for me. I certainly
never encouraged that. I never even told him I liked him. When he fucked up
I chewed his ass out like I would any other hand. I got tired of his don't
care attitude and told him to move out and find another job before I got
back.

"I'm truly sorry I arrived too late to help kill the son of a bitch. I know
y'all don't want to see me around here reminding you of that fucked up
piece of shit. So as soon as I can get my stuff together and clear it with
your Uncle i'll be quitting the ranch. I figure that is the least I can do
given this is all my fault. I got a little put away toward getting my own
spread. I need to add to it and in a few years...

"But, anyways, Paul, I want you to know that I was seriously interested in
trying to build a relationship with you and the little Princess. She stole
my heart long before I got to know you and realize what a truly fine ass
you have.

"I know Jeff is a good man. He'll treat you right and help take care of
little Maria. I can see you two are already pretty much a tight fit. I just
wish you both the best and hope somewhere down the line you two can forgive
me for being a part of all this."

Paul looked into Tom's eyes for a moment. He then shared a look with
Jeff. Standing, he pulled Jeff to his feet, "Tom, I consider myself lucky
to have escaped death today." He visibly swallowed. "I also consider myself
lucky to have a man like Jeff to love and to have that love returned. I
know I am blessed everyday to have my Maria.

"I don't know what made that drugged up fuckwad want to kill me. I am glad
I shot him before he could shot me.

"As far as you, Jeff and I are concerned, we were going to sit down with
you and explain that we are together now and that will never change. Jeff
has told me what a good friend you have been and what a good man he thinks
you are. You're rushing back here convinces me that you really are his good
friend. You're trying to take some responsibility for what happened tells
me you're a good man. You have nothing to be sorry for. You had no way of
knowing your helping hand was being extended to a psychopath. I had told
Jeff that I thought we all could be good friends. I still think that and I
hope you agree."

Tom's eyes glistened with moisture.

Jeff also tried to relieve the guilt his friend was obviously
feeling. "Tom, I've known you for years. I know the kind of man you are. We
don't want you to change the way you are because of one mistake.

"As far as leaving, well, you're too important to the ranch and this
family. Replacing you would be like trying to replace me, or Uncle Joe or
Uncle Raymond, it can't be done. If you decide to leave, we can't stop
you. But, understand this! Nobody blames you for any of this. Hell, Morgan
was a bat shit crazy son of a bitch, but he hid it well. Any one of us
might have hired him. We don't expect much from someone who's main job is
to shovel shit.

"Now, forget all this talk about leaving the ranch. How about we get your
bags out of your truck and we'll get you set up here for the night. Most
likely your place is marked off with yellow crime scene tape. Just don't be
getting no funny ideas about sleep walking and winding up in bed with us
cause me and my man don't share."

For a moment Paul was sure Tom was going to lose his battle to hold back
his tears. He was almost certain the big handsome lug was about to cry when
he felt himself, along with his lover, pulled into a serious bear hug.

In a voice, cracked with emotion, "I could kiss you guys, but I know you're
not into threesomes. I know you're fun as hell in bed, Jeff. And I've
jerked off more than a few times thinking about how much fun you could be,
Paul. But, truth be told, I'd rather have a lifetime of friendship with you
two than even the hottest casual one time romp. Besides, thinking about you
two all serious has me thinking, there just might be someone out there for
me."

It was early evening by the time they got Tom squared away and checked on
Paul's animals, which Seth had already seen to. Upon hearing Paul's stomach
growl, Jeff proposed they drive into town to the diner for supper. Paul
offered to cook up some pasta. Tom insisted he would be glad to help out
with cleanup. Jeff was persistent. For some reason, he just, right now, had
to have a piece of pie from the diner.

Alone In their bathroom, Paul almost convinced him to change his mind about
going anywhere. They were interrupted by Tom pounding on the bedroom
door. "Alright hombres, y'all decided to eat in town, so save all that for
dessert. Get unknotted and shake a leg. I'm so hungry my belly's insisting
my throat's been cut. "

As they came into the hall, Jeff totally ignored Tom's rant. Paul was
blushing in guilt for what he had tried to get Jeff to do.

Tom noticed. "Paul, I didn't mean to embarrass you. Hell, I figured a man
with enough balls to own a dog that fugly couldn't never be ashamed about
anything."

"I think I liked you better when I thought you had some manners. You might
want to think hard before insulting Pup. Ever seen Monty Python's rabbit?"

Moving toward the front door, "Hey, that guy has a pet shop on the backside
of Dallas. Tried to sell me a Norwegian Blue Parrot. Beautiful plumage, but
it never squawked or nothing. I am pretty sure he was dead. The lumberjack
behind the counter tried to tell me he was resting, but I'm pretty sure it
was dead."

Just as Paul was about to respond, Jeff interjected, "Enough! Enough with
the fugly dogs, killer bunnies and dead parrots.  For the love of Brian!
Can't we inject some sanity into this discussion?"

At Jeff's outburst both men came a sudden halt. Once he said his piece they
moved to either side of Jeff and swept him up in a packsaddle carry. Jeff
accepted the ride with grace. With a minimum of shuffling they made it
through the front door. Paul called out, "On three! One! Two!"

At this point Jeff was sure all bets were off. He was about to be hurled
into the front yard. His arms that had been draped across the other men's
shoulders now pinched a death grip around their necks. "If I go, I'm taking
two knights who say... Ow! Ow! Ha! Ha! No! No tickling! Not fair. I give! I
give up!"

About the time the guys released each other they became aware they were
being watched. Paul reached for his sidearm just as he remembered it had
been confiscated. His hand came to rest in his hip pocket. He noticed Jeff
had his hand ready to draw his own weapon. At the same time Sam and Dave
stepped up onto the porch from either side of the house.

Sam spoke up, "Evening gentlemen. We've been having a look around. Ilya was
not happy with today's events. He was right. We should have checked the
vehicles more thoroughly. We came away with mere remnants of our asses
intact. If we miss anything under our watch again he has promised our next
assignment will be guarding remote segments of the trans Siberian pipeline,
at opposite ends.

"Mr. Braxton you will be pleased to know your classy pickup is free of any
obvious threat. Though there maybe a few unexplained slobbers. My partner
was drooling while we were checking it out."

Dave frowned at his lover, "Yes, my partner is lucky he didn't leave pecker
tracks on the finish. He is a heavy leaker and he was half hard the whole
time. But, then it should be understandable, it is a beautiful machine."

After Jeff made introductions all round, it was decided they would clear
out the backseat of the Tahoe and all have dinner at the diner. Sam
insisted on driving.

The diner was busier than anyone had expected. They only had to wait while
a table was being cleaned. Paul nudged Jeff and indicated a table where
Fire Marshal Bumpkis was having dinner with the Mayor and two other dressed
up rancher types. Bumpkis saw them and made a face like a goat eating
barbed wire. He leaned over and spoke softly into the Mayor's ear. The
Mayor's head jerked around in disbelief. Bumpkis continued the soft talk,
obviously identifying Jeff and his group.

Paul was not happy to realize the next available table was the one next to
the exalted Mayor and Bumpkis. He was not as unhappy as Bumpkis and the
Mayor. Bumpkis called loudly so everyone in the place could hear, "Can't
you set that murderin bunch of sodomites somewhere else? Let them take
their order to go. So decent Christian folk, like us, can eat in peace."

Before anyone could respond the two dressed up rancher types shared a
disgusted glance, stood up and dropped some bills onto the table. Jeff's
group was pulling out their chairs to take a seat. The two bodyguards had
positioned themselves with their backs against the wall. At Bumpkis'
remarks they all stopped and remained standing, carefully eyeing the two
ranchers.

The two approached and extended their hands and introduced themselves as
Bart Breedlove and Jim Stanton. They explained they had been friends with
Jeff's father and were sorry to hear about Paul's recent misfortune with
the arsonist. (at this they both stared pointedly at Bumpkis making it plan
they understood he had ignored the obvious evidence of arson.) Bumpkis
didn't even have the decency to look chagrined.

The ranchers collectively opined it was a Texan's god given right to
protect himself and his property. They congratulated Paul on his deadly
aim. As they made their goodbyes they ignored their dinner company and
assured Jeff they would see him at his Uncle Joe's at tomorrow night's get
together.

Just as they decided it was safe to sit, someone grabbed Paul's bicep from
behind, "Don't even think about drawing that thing in here, mister. Paul
turned around to face his foe. Instead he looked down to see Julie staring
a challenge up at him. He sputtered an apology as she simply wrapped him in
a motherly embrace. "Sweetie, you did a good thing today. He wasn't going
to stop killing unless somebody stopped him. It had to be you and
Dave. Now, don't lose hope. Tomorrow may not be one of your best
days. Don't despair, you and Jeff and our Princess have many good years
ahead. Just be strong and be patient. Remember sweetie, Christmas is a time
for miracles."

Julie let him go with a peck on the cheek. She patted Jeff on the shoulder
saying, "Honey, you wanted and needed a change. Now you've got what you
needed, make sure you don't let them go."

To Sam and Dave she offered, "Well, if you two stay on your toes, I can see
a lot of Texas in y'all's future. If not... well I hear Siberia gets
awfully cold and lonely in the winter when your mate is 2,357 kilometers
away." Sam and Dave gulped and clasped hands under the table.

Then smiling at Tom, "You can't miss out on something that was never meant
to be. Be patient he's closer than you tink." With that she laughed
uproariously all the way into the kitchen.

Bumpkis did not hear any of what Julie had to say to Jeff's group. But, he
had seen two of those faggots holding hands. He nudged the Mayor to make
him look. He then dropped money on the table and made his exit, with a
scowl.

Sam noticed the Mayor disgustedly looking at them holding hands. He twisted
his hand around, still resting it in his lover's hand and gave his honor
the Mayor a single digit salute and a shit eatin' grin.

The Mayor flushed a bright red and sputtered, "Well. I never!"

Sam offered, "Maybe you should. I hear it can clear up constipation."

The Mayor would have turned even redder if it were possible. Just loud
enough for Jeff's group to hear, he muttered, "Fucking faggots." Then he
slammed his napkin onto the table and rose to leave.

His crimson flush turned ghostly white as he craned his neck upward to see
Tom's piercing blue eyes glaring down at him, "How'd you like to explain to
your constituency how you got your fat, bigoted, lily white ass kicked by a
fucking faggot? Mr. Mayor? Wanna trip and fall over a chair on your way
out? A fat, old, faggot your age doesn't recover from a fall like us
younger ones do."

The Mayor was trembling in fear as he sputtered, "Y, Y, You
can't... th... th... that's assault."

Tom looked at the Mayor like he had just told him he had ten fingers and
toes, "I know that. Now, apologize to my friends and get the fuck out of
here."

Nodding jerkily to the bigger man, he turned to the still seated men, "S,
S, Sorry." Then he ducked around Tom and skittered toward the exit, with
all the dignity his desperate old ass could muster. Paul figured the odds
were even as to whether or not the old bastard soiled his depends.

Tom rejoined his friends. Jeff simply shook his head and asked, "What is it
with all you guys and authority figures. I don't like the thought of lying
to keep you sorry asses out of jail. Tom, if anyone else had heard what you
said we'd be bailing your ass out of jail tonight. You're almost as bad as
Dave was with our Sheriff."

"Hey! Boss I just said he was a hot looking Daddy." Turning to bring Sam's
hand to his lips for a kiss, " Was I right honey lamb?"

Sam jerked his hand away and spat, "You know I hate it when you talk that
shit to me!" Mellowing even as he spoke, "But, yes, sugar britches, he is
one hot Daddy."

Dave shrugged at Jeff as if to say, "See, I told you so."

Their waitress had brought their drinks and had taken their orders. As she
counted the money from the Mayor's table, it was clear that she was unhappy
about something. Paul asked, "Melissa, did they stiff you on your tip?" The
obvious teenager was embarrassed at being caught grumbling. Paul continued,
"I waited tables all through high school. I hated it when I'd provide good
service and they'd barely leave enough to cover the check."

Recognizing a kindred spirit Melissa, for once, let her guard down, "It
wouldn't be so bad but the Mayor and the Fire Chief do it every time. It's
like they count the money on the table and leave just about enough to cover
the check. Tonight, looks like the Mayor left nothing and the Fire Chief
left next to nothing. They both know I'm saving every dime for college next
year. I'll be the first of my brothers and sisters to graduate high school
and the first in my family ever to go to college.

"I am so sorry. I never get upset in front of customers. Miss Julie has
been so kind helping with my schedule so I don't miss out on many school
social functions. She deserves better from her waitstaff than some whiney
teenager. Please don't say anything."

Julie came out of the kitchen. One glance at Melissa, "Those bastards did
it again, didn't they. I figured they would be too ashamed to stiff my
staff tonight, in the company of Jim and Bart, City Council Members. I
swear by all I hold sacred, next time they come in, they have to pay in
advance. Spread the word, Melissa. I'll put up a sign at the welcome
station for all to see. Better use their names without their titles."
Winking at Jeff, "They won't be in office very much longer."

Surprisingly, dinner conversation was relaxed and pleasant all round. When
Melissa presented the check, Jeff paid with a card and left a tip far
greater than the bill.

It started with Paul. One by one each man slipped a twenty dollar bill
under his plate. Jeff, caught up in the spirit tried to hide the two fifty
dollar bills he slid under his plate. Paul was the only one to see the
amount, but remained silent.

Before they walked away Julie pressed a piece of paper into Jeff's hand,
conspiratorially she whispered, "You're gonna want this."

Apparently Melissa began to clear the table as they reached the door. They
heard her squeals of delight. For the first time this year Paul felt the
Christmas spirit. He was pretty sure the others did too.

He also felt the comfort of having armed professionals watching his
back. It seemed that one bodyguard ate a bit while the other kept
watch. Then the process would be reversed. At all times, one or both were
scanning the room, while appearing to be totally engaged in the
conversation. Paul was convinced there would be no more unlocked Explorers.

They had barely turned onto the farm to market road when the discussion
applauding their desserts suddenly quieted. The flashing lights fast
approaching from behind silenced everyone. Paul noted subtle movements from
both Sam and Dave in the front seat. Dave turned on the Tahoe's emergency
flashers. "Alright bossman my first inclination is to turn around slowly,
with the flashers on, and head back to town. We may out number them, but I
wasn't speeding and there is no valid reason for this stop. After meeting
the Sheriff this morning we have to think this is enemy action."

Jeff spoke almost without thinking, "Slow down but don't stop. Do
twenty-five. Paul get Uncle Joe on the phone. Tom, use your phone and start
recording this make sure you keep the camera on the patrol car."

Jeff pulled out his phone and dialed 911.

"You have reached emergency services. What is the nature of your
emergency?"

"I am being pursued by a Sheriff's patrol car and I am in fear for my
life. My name is Jeffrey Grant. I am an attorney and I had an altercation
with the county Sheriff this morning. I repeat I am in fear for my life."

"What is your location?"

After conferring with Tom, Jeff offered their approximate location.

Paul in the meantime connected with Joe, Raymond and Ilya. Joe insisted
they stay on that road at the reduced speed. Raymond admonished them to use
more than one cell phone to record this encounter. Making sure each covered
the patrol car as well as occasionally scanning their own speedometer. Joe
was talking to the District Judge at his home. Joe, Raymond, Ilya and
company would join their convoy ASAP.

The patrol car seemed to be getting impatient, indicated by the
sporadically squalling siren. "Mr. Grant the Sheriff's office reports there
is no patrol car in your vicinity at this time."

"Well, I can't show you the flashing lights, but I am recording this on my
cell phone as we speak. I'm pretty sure you can hear the siren blaring at
me. Can you eliminate the highway patrol? I am definitely being chased, at
25 miles an hour, by some vehicle that for the world appears and sounds
like a real police car.

"I assure you as an officer of the court I am aware that prank calls to 911
are prosecutable offenses. This is not a prank call. My name is Jeffrey
Grant and I am in fear for my life. I had..." Jeffrey repeated his plea.

"Mr. Grant our Highway Patrolman was having his supper. He is now enroute
to your location. He says he is familiar with your situation and suggested
you maintain course and speed."

For the first time since the "chase" began, Jeff could see another vehicle
approaching from the opposite direction. They were flying low with
emergency flashers on. Almost before they past, the vehicle made a three
point turn and came screaming up behind the patrol car.

At this time the patrol car turned off the flashing lights and sped around
the Tahoe. As it passed, even without the flashing lights, the Sheriff's
department markings were clearly visible. As fast as the patrol car pulled
away the civilian car was right behind and clearly gaining on it.

Jeff was relating all this to the 911 lady. She reiterated there was no
Sheriff's patrol car in his vicinity. Jeff stated that the video date/time
stamp and his own eyeballs said someone in the Sheriff's department was
lying.

The 911 lady told Jeff they just had another emergency call along his road
and asked if he had witnessed an accident.

Without answering her he directed Paul to call Uncle Joe. "Dave now is the
time for you to show us all how fast this mother can go. Uncle Joe, Uncle
Raymond and Ilya may need our help." Dave didn't wait for Jeff to finish,
he simply floored the big V8.

As fast as they were going, another set of flashing lights could be seen
behind them in the distance, steadily gaining. Jeff was too concerned with
the fact that Uncle Joe was not answering his phone. The bile rose in his
throat as he thought about another auto accident that happened years
ago. Silently he began to pray.

Paul could sense his partner's distress. He squeezed Jeff's thigh in an
attempt to offer solace. "I read that Teslas are the safest cars ever
built. They got five star ratings in all types of collisions."

When they came upon the scene it was clear, by the once again flashing
lights, that the Sheriff's patrol car had missed the curve and rolled over.

The Tesla was parked alongside the road. Also parked alongside the road was
a black Suburban. Milling about smartly was a number of Ilya's heavily
armed soldaty. Ilya was apparently assisting, who Jeff recognized as, one
of the Deputies from this morning's investigation.

Once they parked Jeff and Paul approached Uncle Joe who was standing beside
Ilya as they asked the Deputy questions. Jeff quickly ascertained that what
he was witnessing was a forced interrogation. Apparently if Ilya was not
satisfied with the Deputy's response to a question, he applied pressure to
some injured part of the disarmed Deputy's anatomy.

As soon as Jeff understood what was going on he led Paul away from Joe,
Ilya and the Deputy. Ignoring the occasional scream, they walked up to the
Suburban where Tink was sitting in the front passenger seat typing away on
his ever present laptop. His submachine gun draped over his shoulder, Tink
looked up and smiled devilishly as he watched them approach. Jeff thought
he looked like an Uzi toting elf.

"Ah, Mr. Jeff, Mr. Paul, I have video you must see. You will most
definitely think is hot. Dah?" He twisted the laptop so they could see a
tall hairy stud violently throat fucking a smaller, slimmer guy.

Just when Paul had convinced himself his life and especially this day
couldn't get any more bizarre, Tink was showing him gay porn while their
chief bodyguard tortured a Sheriff's Deputy. Then the camera angle on the
video changed and the bizarre aspect of his day was suddenly magnified a
thousand fold.




Author's Note:

As always thank you for reading. Please let me know what you think.


Sojourn1950@yahoo.com