Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2016 21:18:05 -0500
From: Eric Trager <trager2275@gmail.com>
Subject: It Is What It Is: Chapter 17

Please don't forget to donate to Nifty if you enjoy reading the stories!

Email feedback can be sent to trager2275@gmail.com. © 2015 by Eric Trager.

Yahoo group: https://groups.yahoo.com/IIWII


CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

George Dickson stepped into the foyer of the GM condo, greeted by Joe
Wyman.  "Hey, Joe! Are Sean and Andy ready?"

"Yup. They're in the living room. Want a beer?"

"I'll pass, Joe, but maybe a glass of water'll do the trick. This won't
take long - those are two bright boys and all we're gonna need to do is
just get straight what the deal is, and is not, for tomorrow afternoon."

"Yeah, I figured that. OK, I'll get you some water and you can go get
started with the guys, George. And thanks again for doing this for us!"

"Not a problem, Joe. What your boys did for Tim is something I can't put a
value on.  Peg and I say that all the time. This is the least, and I mean
the VERY least that I can do for them."

"Thanks just the same, Joe. I guess what goes around comes around, hey?"

"You said a mouthful, Joe..."

George made his way to the condo living room, and greeted the boys, "OK,
men, we're gonna go over a few things here before we head to Kenosha
tomorrow. Won't take long, but I just need to get some concepts and stuff
across here."

"Hey, George!" Sean called out, "Sure, we know we need to be prepared a
little bit. I guess we should get started then?"

"Right..." George answered.

"Here's your water, George," Joe said, stepping into the living room. "You
don't mind if I listen in, do ya? I've always just found legal matters
fascinating is all..."

"Absolutley, Joe! I guess that gives us a good place to start, as well. OK,
look, guys, even though I will accompany Sean as his Attorney, tomorrow's
hearing is not a legal proceeding."

"It's not?" Andy asked.

"No, son, it's not. What it is, is a closed-door session of the Kenosha
School Board.  The Board is the governing body of the Kenosha School
System, but it is not a Court.  It has no legal authority."

"Then why do we have to go?" Andy asked.

"Well, YOU won't have anything to do there..." George replied. "but Sean
has been invited by the Board to answer questions they may have. You were
not invited, but shall accompany us because your dad will be at work at
that time, and because of Joe's rule that Sean must accompany you at all
times. You will merely be there as his stepbrother, and I will be there as
Sean's Attorney. Sean will be appearing voluntarily as the Board has no
power to compel his attendance."

"But, George, I WANT to be there. The hearing is about what might happen to
Coach Anderson, right?"

"I'd say that's a fair assessment, Sean" George replied.

"Well, Coach didn't do anything wrong. It seems pointless to have a hearing
about nothing..." Sean commented tartly.

"Sean..." George replied, "I wasn't there, so I can't be sure. It's not my
job to have an opinion about that, anyway, but I know you, and if you say
the Coach did nothing wrong he probably didn't. Look, whatcha need to
understand here is that most School Boards are run by people who don't know
the law, many times have unworkable, ridiculous policies, and an inflated
sense of their own importance. The most likely scenario is that the
Administrators of the School District are trying to cover their asses. Now,
from what you've told me, anything that happened was done off school
grounds at a private residence at a time when school was not in session.
So, I agree with you, this is BS, but if, as you've also told me, you don't
want anything bad happen to Coach Anderson then it's best for you to appear
as invited if for no other reason that just to humor these people and get
whatever it is that you can get on the record in the Coach's favor. If you
don't appear, then it would seem as if you don't care one way, or the other
what happens to Coach Anderson. Does that make sense?"

"Yeah, when you put it that way..." Sean answered.

"Good, so let's get started. Like I said, this shouldn't take too
long. First thing I'll tell ya is that you will be asked some
questions. You could be asked questions by the Superintendent of Schools,
or any member of the Board. Probably not too many questions, though, as
there's not much to question you about. It's their meeting, and they'll run
it the way they want, OK? But here's the thing: you cannot answer any
questions that might have to do with the investigation and Court
proceedings that are ongoing in the case of Andy's beating. That will limit
to a great extent what you can answer and what you cannot."

"How am I gonna know that?" Sean asked.

"That's why I'm going to be there. I have here..." George said, producing a
document from his briefcase, "...a letter from the Kenosha County District
Attorney's Office.  Read it over." George handed the letter to Sean. Sean
read the letter and handed it back to George.

"OK..." Sean said, "So the letter says I am admonished not to answer any
questions having to do with the investigation, or the cases pending before
the Court and then it gives case numbers. It says if I do then they can
prosecute me for interfering with Police and Court proceedings."

"That's right, Sean, because as probably unfair to you, and especially to
Andy, as it sounds the guys that attacked him, and anyone else involved,
are innocent until proven guilty. The trials have not yet begun, there is
still an ongoing investigation, and the DA's Office doesn't want details
leaking out to the public before the trials begin. That's just how our
system rocks `n' rolls... As your Attorney, I am an Officer of the Court,
and I am duty-bound to make you aware of the admonition from the D.A.'s
Office. OK, I've done that, so let's move on, here."

"OK..." Sean answered.

"So how this is going to go..." George went on, "is that once we enter the
room where the hearing is, I'll introduce myself, and give a copy of the
D.A.'s letter to whoever it is that's running the meeting, which most
likely will be the President of the School Board. I've googled the Kenosha
School Board, and I know who that person is so we're pretty much all set
there.  When they call you for questioning, I'll rise and let them know
that I am there as your Attorney. They'll probably ask you to state your
name for the record, and you will go ahead and do that. But here's what you
will do after that..."

"OK, so far, so good..." Sean said.

"When they ask a question, I want you to look at me before you say a
word. If I nod my head yes, then go ahead and answer the question. If it's
a yes-or-no question, just answer either yes, no, or I-don't-know and say
nothing more. If it's a question that requires specific detail, answer only
the question that was asked and don't add anything extra at all. If you do
not understand the question, ask the person who asked it to rephrase
because you don't understand what they are asking. Got it?"

"Yeah. Now what do I do if you shake your head no?"

"If I shake my head no, then I've got your answer written on this piece of
paper here, and you will read it word-for-word to the questioner. Here –
go ahead and read it out loud, Sean."

"Based on the District Attorney's admonition to me contained in the letter
furnished to the Board some moments ago, I respectfully decline to answer
the question," Sean read out. "OK, well what if whoever asked the question
gives me shit then?"

"Then you say nothing. I will answer in that case restating the D.A.'s
admonition. If they still don't get it, I'll ask to confer privately with
the Board's Attorney who I am sure will be present. We're gonna do this by
the book, and if it comes to that, their Attorney will set them straight."

"OK, well, that seems easy enough. I don't think I'll mess it up."

"No, Sean, you won't. You're a cool customer. You'll do fine. Consider it
practice for when the real trials begin. And it will be good for you, too,
Andy. You can kind of get some idea of what it's like to be questioned, and
some idea of procedure. Like I said, it's not a Courtroom, but there should
be some of the same procedures and decorum."

"Is that it, George?" Joe asked.

"Yep, I think that's all she wrote, guys!" George replied. "I'll pick you
guys up at about Noon since the meeting is at 2:00. We can grab some sodas
and stuff for the road, and we'll be there in plenty good time! Oh, and I
want both of you guys dressed in slacks, shirt-and-tie, and nice
shoes. Understood?"

"Sure, George!" Andy answered.

"OK, men, then I'll see ya tomorrow at Noon sharp! Joe, any questions?"

"Nope, I think you covered it all pretty clearly, George. And thanks
again!"

"Anything for these two, Joe. Guys, like I told your dad, our family is
indebted to you for how you helped Tim. This is the least we can do to
repay you!"

"George?" Andy asked.

"Yeah?"

"We didn't do anything. We just helped a friend is all."

"OK, then, Andy, that's what I'm doing!" George grinned, slapping Andy on
the back.

George took his leave, the boys and Joe winding down for the evening.

"Sean," Joe said. "Go get me a pair each of slacks and a white shirt for
each of you. I'll iron them right now so that they're ready in the
morning. Get two ties ready to go, two pairs of dress socks, and set a pair
of nice shoes each by the front door so you'll be ready to go when George
comes tomorrow."

"OK, dad. Sounds good. I guess it'll be OK tomorrow..."

"You'll do fine. And I hope you can help Coach. I don't see how they can do
anything to him, but I guess we'll see, there, Bucko..."

The next day at Noon, George Dickson wheeled his Cadillac Escalade into the
driveway of the GM condo, got out and rang the doorbell. Sean and Andy came
to the door, dressed as requested and looking sharp.

"You guys ready?" George asked.

"Yep!" Andy replied.

"Say, George, we'll let Andy have the front seat. He's gonna need it
because of this leg and all..." Sean said.

"OK, but you're pretty tall, Sean, and the back seat of the Escalade isn't
as big as you might think..."

"Oh, I don't care, I just want Andy to be comfortable. I still think this
is a pain in the ass, but whadya gonna do?"

"Hehehe..." George chuckled. "Yeah, it is a pain in the ass, so let's just
get it over with, already..."

Driving to Kenosha, George retraced the same route that Sean and Andy had
trodden on their first visit to Janesville, a time that while not long
seemed upon reflection to have been so long ago and with so many changes
and new horizons unveiled since.

Arriving inside the Kenosha School Administration Building, George and the
boys found the Board Room, and entered. A Police Officer asked what their
business was, and George stating so to the Officer's satisfaction, they
were seated. The clock told them that the time was 1:45 p.m. People who
appeared to be Board Members strode in, and when George was sure he spotted
the person who was the President of the Board, he rose, walked over and
introduced himself, spoke a few words, and handed over a copy of the D.A.'s
letter.

Sean heard the door to the room open, and turned around to see both Jim
Nolan and Joe Regent enter the room. Regent appeared to be accompanied by
an Attorney.  Nolan did not. Sean waved them both over. "Hey, guys! Good to
see you, not under these circumstances, but good all the same!"

"Hey, guys! Andy chirped.

"Hey!" Nolan and Regent answered back.

George Dickson was returning to the table, and Sean introduced them
both. "Both of you boys have Attorneys present?" George asked.

"I do." Regent replied.

"Not me. I can't afford one, and my mom and dad probably didn't hear me
when I said I hadda come down here." Nolan said, looking forlornly at the
floor.

"You say your name's Jim Nolan, right?" George asked.

"Yes, sir." Nolan answered.

"George Dickson. Call me George. I believe you may know my nephew, Danny
Parks?" Jim nodded, quizzically. "Well, you just got yourself an Attorney,
son. Won't cost you a dime. Now, come over here for a minute and I'll give
you the one-minute run down on how this is gonna work, OK?"

"Really!" Nolan gasped. "Jeez, I mean, THANKS! I mean, wow..."

Sean was privately wondering how on Earth George Dickson would have heard
the name Jim Nolan.

Returning to their seats, the three boys and George sat down and waited for
the meeting to start.

Turning around again, Sean spied Coach Anderson who was there with his
Attorney, Garrett Crossman. Sean smiled and waved to the old Coach who
winked back at him.

Precisely at 2:00 p.m. the President of the Board, Jeannine Kwiatkowski,
called the hearing to order. "The purpose of this hearing is to determine
whether, or not any of the rules in the District's Employee Handbook were
transgressed in a matter having to do with student athletes at Tremper High
School. Is Irving Anderson present?"

"Right here, Madam President!" Coach Anderson replied, raising his hand.

"And seated next to you I take it is your Attorney, Mr. Anderson?"

"Yes, Madam President, I am Garrett Crossman representing Mr. Anderson."

George looked over in Crossman's direction and gave him a nod.

The questioning of Coach Anderson didn't take but more than five
minutes. The Coach said was that he'd had some players come to him and
state that they would not be going out for the team this year due to the
actions of some of the others, and that he had no first-hand knowledge of
what those actions were. He also added that he had made an immediate report
to the School Principal. When asked to repeat for the Board what he had
heard from the players that came to him, Attorney Crossman intervened
letting the Board know that there was an investigation still ongoing, and
Court trials being scheduled, that therefore his client would be unable to
answer anything along that line of questioning, and in any event that his
client could not be held responsible for anything of which he no
foreknowledge, that took place away from school when school was not in
session and was not a school-sanctioned event.

Attorney Crossman then moved that the hearing be concluded citing his
foregoing reasoning, stating that in light of that "there's simply no
`THERE' there," and continuing, "In addition, and upon my advice, my client
provided me with what appears to be a full documentation of his
involvement, such as it is, this matter, both written and electronic. My
office referred said documentation as well as a copy of the District's
Employee Handbook to a Labor Attorney's office. It is their opinion, a
written copy of which I furnished to the School District's Attorney
yesterday that there is no basis for any action against my client."

This prompted the Superintendent of Schools, a 60'ish looking woman with
witch- like salt-and-pepper hair who sat behind a ridiculously important
looking black and gold name plaque announcing her to be Dr. Walkinson
G. Scott, Superintendent of Schools, and who peered imperiously out over a
pair of black framed, half-lensed reading glasses to caustically state that
the School System had legitimate concerns and that the hearing would
continue. Dr. Scott's intervention brought a rebuke from the President of
the Board who reminded the Superintendent that it was up to the Board, not
the Superintendent whether, or not to adjourn any Board function.

The Board President then inquired of the School District's Attorney whether
he had a copy of the letter to which Garrett Crossman had referred.

The Attorney indicated that he did, and handed it to the President.

A vote of the Board was taken at that point, the board voting 4-3 to
continue the hearing.

Andy leaned over whispered out of the corner of his mouth to Sean, "Jesus
Christ, Sean-o! If idiots could fly this place would be a fucking
airport..." Sean, for his part, simply rolled his eyes, nodded his head,
and smirked.

The Board President called Principal Roberts. Roberts was without an
Attorney, and stated that Coach Anderson had indeed made a report to him as
soon as he heard of the incident. Principal Roberts further stated that
upon receiving the report he had in turn reported to his bosses, the
Director of Secondary Education and the Superintendent. Principal Roberts
was then thanked, and dismissed.

Next up was Joe Regent. Joe's questioning took less than one minute. He
simply relayed how he had been present at Coach's office when Sean and
Nolan had been there, had been asked by Coach to leave before any
conversation took place, and had no knowledge of any conversation that
might have taken place after that. When asked why he had gone to the
Coach's office he merely said it was to return a personal item to Sean whom
he knew would be seeing the Coach that morning.  Regent's Attorney than
asked that his client be excused, as he really had no useful information to
furnish in the matter. The Board President agreed, and Regent and his
Attorney left the building.

The Board President then called on Jim Nolan. Jim indicated that he was
present.  George rose, stating to the Board, "Madam President, if it
pleases the Board, I'm Attorney George Dickson representing James Nolan and
Sean Wyman."

 "So noted," the President answered back. Superintendent Scott then asked
Nolan whether, or not he had ever known Coach Anderson to violate a rule of
the School District's Handbook. George immediately signaled for Nolan not
to answer the question. Nolan looked puzzled for a moment whereupon George
answered for him, "Madam President, if it pleases the Board, my client is a
Senior in High School and is not now, nor ever has been an employee of the
Kenosha School District. Therefore, he cannot reasonably be expected to
have any knowledge of the Employee Handbook of the Kenosha School System,
much less to make informed judgments with respect to the contents
thereof. There is no way for him to answer that question. We respectfully
request that the question be withdrawn."

"Agreed," the President said to a noticeable sound of displeasure from
Superintendent Scott.

The only other question asked of Nolan was what his purpose was to be at
the Coach's office that morning. He answered that the purpose was to inform
the Coach that he would not be going out for football in the coming
season. When asked to elaborate, Nolan read the prepared answer given by
George Dickson that he would not answer due to the ongoing investigation
and Court trials.

The Board President signaled that there were no more questions to Nolan,
and that visibly exasperated Dr. Scott, who scowled, "I see the students
have been well coached by their Attorneys today..."

Sean was called next. The questioning followed exactly the same line as
Nolan's had, but when it was indicated by the Board President that there
were no more questions for Sean, Dr. Scott jumped in interjecting sullenly,
"There are serious matters here, and it would be appreciated if we could
get full information! This is sounding like the same old story! Mr. Wyman,
are you sure you have no more information?"

The Superintendent's comments enraged Sean who thought it looked like she
wanted simply to hang Coach Anderson out to dry. Sean did not look over at
George for an opinion whether, or not to answer the question. "No, I have
nothing further to add. I can say, though, that everyone who's gone before
me here today has told the truth as I know it to be. I was there. And with
all due respect, Madam Superintendent, the truth usually IS the same old
story..." Sean looked Dr. Scott straight in the eye and gave a subtle
"don't fuck with me" look.

With that, George, not wanting to see the situation go any further south,
rose and looking at the Board President said, "Madame President, Ms. Scott,
if there is nothing further I ask that my clients be excused."

"Mr. Dickson!" Dr. Scott snapped, "Please address me as Dr. Scott. I think
I've earned that!"

"Of course. I apologize, Dr. Scott. And please address me as Attorney
Dickson. I KNOW I've earned that... Madam President, is there anything
further that the Board requires of my clients at this time?"

"Does anyone on the Board have any further questions?" The President asked,
looking up and down the line of other Board members.

No one signaling that they had anything, the Board President stated, "There
is nothing further for your clients, Attorney Dickson. Thank you for your
cooperation."

"You're welcome, and thank you, Madam President." George then signaled for
Jim, Andy and Sean that they would leave at that moment. All four men arose
and left the building.

"Jesus Christ, that Superintendent is a fucking cunt!" George said once
they had all cleared the confines of the School Administration Building.

"George, if I didn't know better I'd say she's out to screw Coach. I mean,
I went last and it looked like because she didn't get anything she wanted
out of anybody else she was either trying to get me to trip up and say
something stupid, or give out information that I'm not supposed to give
out." Sean said. "Besides, she pissed me off, and that's why I answered her
back about the truth being the same old story"

"Sean, the look on her face after you said that was worth a million bucks!"
George laughed. "She looked like someone hit her in the face with a manhole
cover..."

"Only you could pull that one off, Wymo!" Nolan laughed, slapping his knee.

Andy beamed, "I'm proud of you, Blondie!"

"George, how are we gonna know if anything happens to Coach?" Sean asked.

"Well, the Board will take a vote on it, and it'll probably be announced in
the local newspaper. I mean, it's not gonna be on CNN. It's not like this
is some kind of world news, or anything. I'd be surprised if they really
did anything meaningful to Coach.  Oh, sure, they might stick a finding in
his file just to satisfy themselves that they actually did something, but
my bet is that'd be about the extent of it. From what I heard today, they
never even should have had that hearing at all. You can't go back in time
and tell someone that you think they're somehow responsible for what other
people did that they had no prior knowledge of, and weren't responsible
for. That kind of shit would never fly in a Court Room. I'd bet the Board's
Attorney told them that and they just didn't, or wouldn't listen."

"Jeez, I wonder if they want to stick something in Coach's file and he
makes a stink about it. Ya know, I could see that happening..." Sean said.

"OOOOOOH YEEEAAAAHHHH!" Nolan agreed. "He's Old School for sure. Say,
George, how'dja know I know Danny, anyway?"

"Son, Danny's mother is my sister. We're only a year apart in age –
she's a year older than I am - and we're very close. She talks to me about
everything. And I do mean everything. Seems Danny's mentioned your name to
her a few times. I gather my nephew's quite taken with you..."

Nolan turned beet red and began to stammer.

George continued, "Now my son, Tim, he's just a little more than a year
younger than Danny and until they moved from Janesville to Chicago they
were best friends.  Inseparable. Even went to the same schools up to 7th
Grade. So, like I told Sean and Andy here, any friend of our family is a
friend of ours. But you're not only a friend, you're family, son. You tell
that boyfriend of yours that you're both invited to our place anytime. You
tell him Tim would love to see him, and so would his Uncle George and Aunt
Peg."

"NO SHIT!" Nolan exclaimed. "Jesus, it's a small world, hey? You bet I'll
tell Danny!  And, hey, George?"

"Call me Uncle George, son..."

"OK, Uncle George, anyway me and Danny are coming down next weekend. We'll
be meeting up with Wymo and Andy first. Don't tell Tim because it's
supposed to be a surprise, OK?"

"Oh, I wouldn't tell him now thatcha asked and it's supposed to be a
surprise and all.  I guarantee it'll make Tim really happy! Tell ya what,
all you guys can gather at our place Saturday night. We'll make the back
yard patio and grill and everything available to you guys and we'll even
throw in the food and beer. Us older folks enjoy doing stuff for fine young
men like you guys!"

"I'm tellin' ya, Noles," Sean said, "and don't take this the wrong way, but
at first I thought leaving Kenosha and moving to Janesville was gonna be
the end of life as I knew it. NOT! You'll see – I promise you'll meet a
bunch of really good guys. I'm looking forward to fitting in and making my
name!"

"Jeez, guys, if Danny weren't here I'd wanna come be with you guys. There
ain't nuthin' except Danny left for me in this town. Besides, things with
me and Danny are getting kind of serious. I gotta come out to my parents. I
don't think that'll be much of an issue, hell, they probably won't even
hear me when I say it..." Big Jim Nolan looked like a lost little boy as he
told his friends that.

"Look, Noles," Sean said, "No matter what, you and me are bros. I'll always
have your back. You ever need anything you got my number, right?"

"Yeah, and thanks, Wymo..."

"No, I'm serious. You're the one who told me to go for it. You remember?"

"Yeah, I'll never forget that one for sure..."

"If not for you, I might not have Andy and now that I look back, if I
didn't have Andy I wouldn't be who I am. Now I feel like I'm together, and
like I'm whole. And it's you that I have to thank for that. So, I guess
what I'm saying is if there ever comes a time when you need anything, you
call me first. You got that? I can make shit happen..."

"I hear ya, Wymo... I only said what anyone with common sense would say
that night, though..."

"I know, and that's what I needed at that moment – someone with common
sense who had the balls to show me what was right in front of my face."

"Hey, dude, it is what it is. I only toldja what I saw. Dude, you and Andy
got it made.  You are so good for each other! Now, tell me about this Tim
guy..."

"You mean Danny's cousin?"

"Yeah."

"Well, you'll just have to see for yourself, and that's all I'm sayin'!
Don't worry, Noles, he's top shelf. You'll like him..." Sean had his
reasons for his response, not least of which was that he planned to give
his friend, Jim Nolan, a sense of belonging which he knew full well that he
lacked, and that as big-hearted as Jim was that he longed for.

"Dickhead, Wymo!" Nolan laughed, and fist-bumped Sean.

"Hey, I got my reasons, Noles... And I want you to call me when you come
out to the `rents. I need to know that you're not just existing in your
shell. Don't get me wrong, it's a great shell, but it's still a shell. You
do a great job of hiding how much your parents ignore you hurts, but I
gotta tell ya, bro, you're not fooling me. I'm not trying to force anything
here, but I need you to let me know when you need a bro. I'll always have
your back, Jimbo!"

"I know ya will. And I promise I won't be shy if I need anything. You gave
me a lot to think about, Wymo. I can't process it all at once right now,
but trust me, it won't be forgotten."

The three boys then hugged, said their goodbyes, and Nolan shook George's
hand saying, "Nice to meet you, Uncle George, and I'll be seeing you again
soon I guess!"

"Looking forward to it, Jim. Remember to say hello to Danny for us, will
ya?"

"Sure will, and thanks again!"

Once in the Escalade, and underway George asked to neither boy in
particular, "So, that Jim Nolan seems like a real nice young man. What's
the back story with him and Danny, anyway?"

"Well, George, as you already know, they're boyfriends. They met when Andy
was in the hospital and me, Jim and another friend went to the restaurant
where Danny works. Danny was our waiter and Noles fell for Danny like a
fart in church. THUD!  And it's been that way ever since. Say, do you think
Danny knows about Brett? I got an idea here!"

"Uh-oh..." Andy chimed in rolling his eyes. "What's yer big idea, there,
Blondie. This oughta be good..."

"Well, let's play a practical joke on `em!" Sean grinned. "I figure Brett
doesn't know about Danny, and even if Tim knows about Noles it doesn't
matter. What I'm thinkin' is that when they get there we'll get Tim and
Danny away from everyone else and have them dress in the same outfit. I
mean, they look like they could be fucking twins – oops, sorry,
George..." Sean laughed, "then we get `em to come out together and tell
Brett and Noles that they got two seconds and one chance to pick the right
boyfriend!"

"You're pure evil, Sean-o, that's what you are!" Andy laughed an evil
laugh.

"Mwa-ha-ha!" Sean teased.

"I gotta hand it to ya, there, Sean. I think that's pretty damn funny!"
George said.

"Well, yeah, and I'll even buy the clothes. I mean, Tim's gotta be mostly
the same size as me, and even though Danny's a little taller than Tim, he's
a little less built, too, so I figure just buy two of everything and we're
good! I'll just buy what would fit me and it should work! And guess what
else!"

"Oh, shit, here it comes!" Andy muttered under his breath.

"I should get outfits that look EXTRA gay! It'd be so much fun!"

"You WOULDN'T!!!" Andy gasped.

"Nah, I ain't gonna do that, but it would be funny, don'tcha think?"

George guffawed, "I swear, you guys. All of ya! Yer all enough to drive a
Saint to drink! So, Sean, how's the Quarterback dual going with Tim?"

Sean dreaded the question the second he heard it leave George's lips, but
the Dicksons were kind, honest people, so Sean knew he had to give a full
and real answer.

"Well, here's the deal: We're both playing our hearts out. I know I am and
I'd be shocked if Tim wasn't, too. I think there may be small differences
one way, or the other here and there in our skill levels and athletic
ability, but to be honest, I dunno how Coach is going to make a choice. At
the end of the day, I think we're equal. I told Coach that I'd give it
everything I had, but that I'm a team player. If Coach picks Tim, I'll be
fine with it – I'll be back next year, and Tim won't. I gotta say,
though, that Tim's one tough guy to compete with. He's on a hundred percent
of the time."

"Glad to hear it, Sean. I know Tim says he's gotta keep on his toes all the
time at practice. He respects your abilities. He says you're good. I know
he's my son and all, but my heart's with both of you guys. You've done so
much for each other, and that goes for you, too, Andy. I hate to use the
word `blossom' with respect to boys, but I can't find a better word to get
it across. Tim's really blossomed since you two came to town."

All three men enjoyed smiled at that, and the trip back home passed
quickly. George thought he might have seen a slight tear in Sean's eye when
he checked in the rear view mirror, and he thought to himself, "These two,
Sean and Andy, are the real deal."

Approaching Janesville from the east on Highway 14, Sean noted ominous
looking clouds far to the west. "Jeez, guys, wouldja look at those clouds?
They're so black and dark!"

"Yup," George agreed. "Well, it's been really hot today, and I wouldn't be
surprised if we've got a thunderstorm rolling in!"

Once back in Janesville, George dropped the boys back at the GM condo,
letting them know that he'd see them Saturday and teasing Sean not to buy
Tim and Danny a couple of dresses.

The wind whipped the storm door out of Sean's hand when the boys tried to
enter.  "Jesus, we better get inside quick. I think this is going to be one
hell of a storm!"

After entering the condo, Sean got a text from his dad letting them know
he'd be late that night because of a couple of meetings at the plant. Sean
texted back that was OK.

"Hey, Brown Eyes, dad's gonna be late tonight. Meetings at the plant. Jesus
Christ, wouldja look at that wind outside! Man, we're gonna be in for a
storm for sure!"

"OK, well, if dad's gonna be late I know what I want for dinner!" Andy
waggled his eyebrows.

"What's that?"

"TUBE STEAK!" Andy yelled with an evil grin. "Get your ass in the bedroom
and strip! NOW! I want you to fuck the shit out of me, Blondie! I want you
to make me blow the biggest load I ever did, and I want you to do it now!"

As he always did, Sean obeyed Andy when it came to sexual matters. Andy's
bossiness in the bedroom was part of his charm, and Sean could never
displease his lover. Sean fairly ran to the bedroom, tore off his clothes
and was on the bed before Andy even made it into the room. Sean's cock
stood at full mast, and Sean temptingly, slowly fondled it in front of Andy
while licking his lips.

"Get over here, Brown eyes! Get naked! Don't even waste time with kissing!
I'm gonna eat your hole for a while. You're so fucking bossy I'm gonna make
you bark like a dog before I stick my dick in you!"

Two miles to the southwest as the crow flies, George and Peggy Dickson had
gone out for dinner that night to the Country Club. Tim and Brett declined
their invitation to go with a thin excuse about wanting to watch
television.

Peggy and George didn't exactly buy it, but as Peggy told George, "Whadya
gonna do, hey? It's been rough on them the past little while. They need
some time to themselves same as we do, now..."

No sooner had they left than Brett walked up to Tim, Hugged him tight and
kissed him softly. Brett and Tim's lovemaking on the surface might appear
to be a good bit more tender than Sean and Andy's, but it was with no less
passion.

"I want to make love to you, Sweet Prince!" Brett whispered in Tim's
ear. "I want to be inside you. I want to do it now..."

Tim shivered at his lover's advance. Brett had that effect on Tim. Tim was
head over heels in love with the blonde boy that had materialized in his
life seemingly out of nowhere just a short time ago. Tim regarded Brett as
his savior.

For his part, Brett adored his Quarterback boyfriend. Tim's chronic habits
of getting tongue-tied, and speaking before he totally thought out what he
meant to say were endearing to Brett because at the same time Brett knew
that there was no bullshit about Tim – what you saw was what you got,
and that was sincerity.

Tim turned and kissed Brett sweetly while beginning to remove Brett's
clothes. "I'm all yours. Always will be. I love you, so..." Tim began to
undress Brett, falling to his knees and engulfing the tall blonde's large
dick to the hilt with his throat.

Sixty-five miles to the east, two more lovers were falling into each
other's embrace.  Danny and Jim hiked up along the Lake Michigan shoreline
to a spot they never shared with anyone else except each other. "Can we do
it on the beach?" Jim asked tentatively.

"I thought you'd never ask! I want you so bad, lover boy, but you better
not get sand up my butt!' Danny teased. The truth was Danny saw in Jim what
he was pretty sure Jim didn't see in himself quite yet. He saw decency, he
saw love and he saw a generous humanity.

Jim thanked God for bringing Danny to him now that everything else in his
life was either gone, or had never been there in the first place.

In all three cases the three sets of young lovers pleased their partners
and basked in the glow of their love.

Sean fucked Andy roughly just the way he liked it, his larger body pounding
away at his lover's hole. Andy was in heaven at the sight of Sean's hard,
furry body, watching his muscles move in rhythm to the intense fucking Sean
delivered. Andy could take no more, shooting first and covering both of
them with a massive load of thick, white cum that to Sean had that musk and
chlorine scent that smelled like heaven. Sean kept fucking for what seemed
like another ten minutes before he screamed out in pain and pleasure
filling Andy's insides feeling both Andy's moist warmth and his own slick
load.

Their orgasms were heightened after Andy had surreptitiously revealed to
Sean that he'd saved a couple of prime buds from his former dealing days
and they had each enjoyed a couple of bong hits prior to their sex.

Brett was a bit more gentle with Tim, but only just. The football practices
and weight training, along with Brett's continued growth meant that if
anything he was now at least as big and strong as Tim. Brett was not shy to
make this physical equality known, and to him it was hot beyond description
not only making love to his mate, but totally having his way with
him. Brett withdrew from Tim before he came, commanding Tim to take his
cock down is throat. Tim obeyed and was rewarded with Brett's massive cum
contractions covering his face, mouth and throat.

Not being totally submissive, Tim flipped Brett backwards, grabbed onto his
golden curls, plunged Brett's face onto his engorged pole and pumped until
Brett was fully infused with a huge load of Tim's cum.

By now the rain was upon them in torrents and sheets, wind howling, the
flat, Midwestern sky low and black. Cracks of lightning and cannonades of
thunder punctuated the early evening sky above. Both young couples observed
the thunder and lightning, extreme as any they had ever witnessed, matched
their earlier orgasmic throes in a union of heaven and Earth.

The four Janesville lads basked in a post-orgasmic trance of lust and
love. All four of their hearts overflowed thanking God for what they had in
their mates.

Still farther to the east, the sky had just begun to hint at what was to
come. Danny and Jim were naked on the beach, their love making far more
slow and sensual on that day that the animalistic hedonism taking place to
their west. They took their time to pleasure each other and were in no
hurry. Heavy kissing and caressing was followed by a mutual slow
undressing. They then enjoyed a long 69, tenderly stimulating their cocks
almost to the point of no return, but instinctively knowing when to
stop. Skillfully accompanying their 69 with plenty of ball and ass play,
they pushed each other to the point if frenzy. Danny began eating Jim's ass
transporting Jim onto a plane of delirium. Both of them were hard to the
point of their erections being almost painful. Both leakied copious
rivulets of precum.

Jim told Danny that he wanted to ride his dick to orgasm. "I want to impale
myself on your cock, red-head!" Jim huskily hissed.

He wanted to see his man's face when Danny filled him with his seed. He
wanted to see Danny's face when he shot, and he wanted to coat Danny with
his own cum. Jim got off on seeing cum on skin and it didn't matter whose
cum, or whose skin it was.  He got off just as much shooting his wad on
Danny as he did feeling Danny's hot jets sear into his own skin.

Jim greased himself up, and lowering himself onto Danny's ample cock
hissed, "Feel yourself inside me, love! How does it feel? Is it warm and
soft to you? Does my asshole muscle feel good gliding over your dickhead?
What do you want, Danny? Do you want me? What do YOU WANT DANNY!"

"Cum for me, Jim! I'm getting close! If you don't shoot I'll go mad!"

"I'll be there in a minute, or two! Oh, FUCK, your cock feels so good
inside me!" Jim was riding Danny like a stallion. Every upthrust of his
asshole released Danny's cock from the grasp of his sphincter, and every
downthrust pushed Danny ever closer to eruption.

"Unnnngh! Oh, fuck, Jim! FUCK! I'm on the edge! Uh! OHHHHHH!
FUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!"  Danny could take no more. Overpowering volleys of hot
cum filled Jim's ass, and he could feel them. Jim was pushed to the
limit. He saw his man's eyes roll back in his head, and his entire torso
tense right up to his neck.

"Danny! Fuck, Danny! SHIT! Oh, God, I'm cumming! FUUUUUCK!" Jim unloaded
what even for most 18 year olds might amount to a two-, or three-day load
of cum onto Danny's hair, face, shoulders and chest. Danny eagerly lapped
up the solid shot that landed on his lips.

"I love you, Jim!" Danny mouthed to his lover who was still impaled on his
pole.

"I love you, too! Danny, I love you more than anything!" Jim croaked out
and cried what were to Danny obviously tears of joy, but the tears kept
coming...

Danny became alarmed at his boyfriend's continuing tears. He looked at Jim,
placing his hand on Jim's shoulder, whispering, "Is something wrong, love?
Please talk to me..."

"Yes!" Jim mouthed, burying his head in Danny's chest.

Danny stroked his lover's head, rocking him back and forth. He kissed the
top of Jim's head whispering, "Talk to me, Jim. I'm here and I'm never
leaving. Please talk to me..."

The wind and rain continued to pound the GM condo so much so that a time or
two Sean and Andy swore they felt the structure of the building slightly
vibrate. "Jesus, And, this is unreal!" Sean said peering out the family
room window into the ravine behind the patio and back yard.

"Jesus, Sean-o!" Andy replied. "We should call dad and tell him to wait
this out – this is really ugly! Hey! Didja see that!" Andy pointed out
into the ravine.

"Whadya talkin' about..." Sean answered, getting himself a glass of water.

"Over there! In the ravine! I thought I saw a person out there!"

"Nobody in their right mind would be out in this, And, unless it's someone
who just really likes bad weather!"

"Yeah, but I swear I saw something move and it looked like a person, I mean
with like clothes and everything! WOW! There is it! It is a person! I think
they're hurt...  Sean-o we have to help them! Right now!"

"Show me where!" Sean said.

"Right over there! About fifty yards out down in the ravine!"

"WOW! Yer right! Jesus Christ! I'll put on a raincoat. I think dad's got
one somewhere. You stay here! And you stay right by the back door, you hear
me? I'll make sure all the locks are locked. I'm not supposed to let you
out of my sight!"

"Go get ready! I'll stand in the back door the whole time so you can see
me. I'll be fine! Hurry up!"

Sean scurried around donning a rain slicker and a pair of rubber boots. Out
into the maelstrom he made his way ever closer toward a bundle of sopping
wet material that he deemed in fact to be dressing a human. The wind being
too strong to call out, Sean determinedly made his way over to the
drenched, hunched over being.

Within range, Sean reached out and grabbed onto the thing. The thing spun
around gazing upon Sean with crazed eyes. "Help me!" Sean
heard. "Please...help...me..."  the thing sputtered in a hoarse whisper
then passing out in Sean's arms. The rain and wind pelted Sean, and it was
difficult to stand without being swept away. In the seeming emergency of
the moment, Sean threw the person over his shoulder, finding them to be
small enough to manage, and determining that he probably had the strength
to make it back to the condo without assistance doggedly trudged his way
back up the ravine and onto the patio.

Andy gasped at what he saw. "Sean-o! Get in here! I'll get towels and fresh
clothes!"

Quickly, Sean doffed the raincoat and his now thoroughly soaked
clothing. He changed into a pair of sweats which he wore commando, and one
of his signature baggy t-shirts. Back into the family room, he made his way
to the sofa where he left the ravine person, slowly taking stock of what he
saw.

He determined it to be a teenage boy, perhaps a year or two younger than
Andy and him, probably of Hispanic descent, and with some bruising on his
face. Andy showed up with towels, and a pair of pajamas, bathrobe and
slippers. The boy remained passed out.

"Sean-o, I'll dry him off and change him. You go to the kitchen and make a
cup of hot tea and get some soda crackers!"

"OK. What do you think we should do after that? Should we call the Police?
I mean, this kid looks hurt to me..."

"No, not yet, Blondie. I think we need to get him out of these wet clothes,
and get him dry and warmed up first. Then once he comes around, we should
talk to him and find out what his story is. Maybe he just fell in the storm
and got hurt and maybe his parents are looking for him, I dunno...I just
think we need to find some shit out first."

"Yeah, that makes sense... When you get his clothes off, see if he has a
wallet with some ID in it."

"Talk to me, Jim." Danny continued to rock his sobbing boyfriend, tenderly
rubbing his back. Danny was frightened. Did Jim want to break up with him?
Had he done something wrong? It all seemed to be going so well, and there
was no explanation for Jim's sobbing.

"Danny..." Jim choaked out, "I...found...out...something...really ...bad.
I...don't...think...I...have...a home...any...more" Jim totally broke down
and was now sobbing uncontrollably.

"Jim!" Danny shook him hard. Jim! We're going to talk about this. Now, stop
crying and pull yourself together! We're going back to my place, and we're
going to get to the bottom of this! Right now!" Danny tossed Jim his
clothes. Jim looked up with surprised eyes.

"I love you, Jim, ya big goof! There's nothing so terrible that we can't
get through it!  Now, get dressed and we're going to talk this out! C'mon,
it looks like rain any minute now!"

"I love you, to, Danny. OK, I think I'm OK now... I'm sorry..."

"Take deep breaths, love, and not a word until we're back at my place, OK?"

"OK..."

Sean returned to the family room with a cup of strong tea and a plate of
saltines.  "Whada we got here, And?" Sean asked, looking curiously at their
charge.

"I dunno, really, Sean-o. He hasn't come to yet. When I was dressing him,
I'd say he's probably a year, or two younger than us judging by his
physical development. I mean, there's not a whole lot of hair, and stuff,
and he's smaller even than me. He didn't move the whole time I was changing
his clothes. That's kinda weird, don'tcha think? I took his pulse, it seems
OK..."

Just then there was stirring. The kid Sean hauled in was coming
to. Awakening, he shot up wild-eyed looking frightened out of his wits not
knowing where he was or who these two strangers were. "Who are you? Where
am I?" the boy asked in only very slightly accented English.

"Well, who are YOU?" Sean said in a manner conveying to the boy that Sean
was in charge. "Look, I'm Sean, and this is Andy. You're in our house. I
rescued you in the storm from the ravine out back. As soon as you saw me
you passed out. You're safe here and we're not going to hurt you. We
changed you into some dry clothes, and I got the clothes that you were
wearing in the washer right now. Here, drink this tea, and there's some
crackers, too. If you want anything else, I'll get it for you, but first we
need to know who you are and what you were doing out there. You better
answer us now, because when our dad gets home he's gonna wanna know the
same thing, trust me..."

"UM, OK, Mister...my name's Juan Ricardo Rodriguez."

"Well, that's a start..." Andy cut in. "How old are you, Juan?"

"Fif...fifteen."

"Where do you live, Juan? We'll call your parents for you to let them know
you're safe. You look hurt, like someone beat you up. How'd that happen?
Don't worry, like I said, we're not going to hurt you, but we need to know
what the deal is here..."  Sean clicked off rapid-fire.

"I don't live anywhere. My parents are gone..." Juan said, looking at the
floor.

"Juan..." Andy said softly looking at Sean who indicated Andy should
proceed, "Juan, that doesn't make a whole lot of sense. So, why don't you
start from the beginning.  We're going to help you, but we need to know how
we can do it. Will you let us help you?"

"Yes." Juan answered still looking at the floor.

"Juan," Andy continued, "my dad said it to me and I'll say it to you. Do
not look at the floor. When you talk, you look us in the eye, OK? Now, look
me in the eye and answer me. Will you let us help you?"

"Yes!" Juan answered looking Andy in the eye with a combination of terror
and hope.

"Well, that's progress, I guess..." Sean shrugged. "Hey, Juan, you said
your name's Juan Ricardo, right?"

"Yes..." Juan answered.

"OK, we're gonna call you J.R. How do you like that?"

"It's OK, I guess."

"Good." Sean continued. "Now start from the beginning and spill your
guts..."

For the next hour Andy and Sean listened in rapt attention.

Hurrying back to Danny's car just as the sky opened, Danny and Jim made
their way to Danny's Grandmother's house. "Hi, Granny, we're back!"

"And none too soon, either, you two! Jim, you look awful! Do you feel OK?"
Danny's grandmother asked.

"Yes, I'm fine, thanks..."

"Granny, Jim and I have to talk some stuff over, so we'll be in my room,
OK?"

"OK, but no sex! My old ticker ain't what it used to be!"

"Granny!" Danny exclaimed, mouth hanging open, feigning innocence.

"I know you two are in love. It's as plain as the nose on your face, my
boys. And I don't give a damn. You each caught yourself a fine man, so it
is what it is. Just try to keep it down..."

"Um...OK, whatever you say, Granny..." Danny snickered. "C'mon, Jimbo,
let's go and you tell me what it is you need to get off your chest. Move
it, James!"

END CHAPTER SEVENTEEN