Date: Sat, 10 Dec 2016 20:40:42 -0600
From: Eric Trager <trager2275@gmail.com>
Subject: It Is What It Is: Chapter 32

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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO



"Sean, it's the reason why the test results were a day late..."

"I'm not understanding here. Can you bottom-line it for me? One sentence
only please?" Sean said, a little bit testily.

"Sean, when they ran the test the first time, the DNA results appeared to
be, for lack of a better word, garbled. So they ran the test again. With
some adjustments. The bottom line is, as I said, that you are going to be a
father. You are going to be the father of twins."

"What?"

"Twins, Sean. Identical twin boys."

"Really?"

"Those are the results we have. It's all there in the paperwork I gave
you."

"Um, OK! Well, thank you... I guess I better get back to school now. Thank
you, Nurse!"

"You're welcome, Sean. And good luck to you."

Sean smiled at the Nurse, left her office and headed toward the lobby to
give Andy the news. He felt on the one hand relieved that the waiting was
over, but on the other hand he felt anticipatory and nervous.  He'd thought
he would have another life that was dependent on his to care for but now he
would have two.

Andy caught sight of Sean entering the lobby. By the look on Sean's face,
Andy already knew the outcome. Sean looked ethereal. Like he was in an
alternate universe. "So, do I get one guess and a prize if I'm right, hun?"

"Yeah..." Sean said, still seeming like he was elsewhere.

"We're gonna be parents, aren't we..."

"Yeah, but it's not what you think."

"Whadya mean? We're gonna be parents, so I don't get what you're
saying... Please tell me nothing's wrong, Sean-o. Pleeeeease?" Andy
worriedly pleaded.

"Twins."

"WHAT?" Andy almost leapt out of his chair.

"That's right, Brown Eyes. Twins. Twin boys."

"OH MY GOD! Twins? Really! REALLY?????" Andy was beside himself.

"Yup. I dunno how I should feel. I mean, I guess I feel like, well, TWINS!"
Sean was absolutely jumping up and down.

"Sean-o, I'm just as tickled as you are, but we got a long way to go you
know... I mean, there's gonna be a trial, and we'll have that asshole Bill
Kennedy to deal with... I just want you to know that I'm here with you
every step of the way. I love you so..."

"I know, and I love you, too. Think we can handle being dads?"

"I think we don't got a choice. I think it is what it is. I guess the good
news is that when they graduate from High School we'll only be in our
mid-thirties if you think about it..."

"Well, I guess there's something to be said for that."

"Do we tell the guys?"

"Not yet. I wanna talk to dad tonight first."

"OK, that makes sense. Whadya think we need to do about Colleen? I mean,
she can't be trusted to carry through a pregnancy on her own I don't
think..."

"I don't think so, either and that's why I wanna talk to dad..."

"Yeah, and you know if we know, then the Judge knows and he said he'd give
his decision on bail right away."

"It'll take a little while. I mean, once he's notified he's gonna hafta
write it up and everything and I'm sure he's busy with other stuff. I guess
George will let us know..."

"Well, we'll see what we see, Sean-o..."

Classes and practice completed, the boys headed home. Joe had already been
put on alert. John knew what was going on, so he told the other two to
relax while he got dinner on the table. It was easy for him to do as he was
only going to heat up one of the meals the cook had already prepared,
finish up the salad and get it on the table.

All the while he was doing this, John thought deeply about his brother
Sean. He meant it that night not long ago when he told Sean that he was his
hero. He knew that while Sean could never understand some of the hardship
and the mean life which previously had been John's lot, and that while Sean
had grown up a rich kid, he nonetheless marveled at his older brother's
consistency, strength and unflappability. The difference as John saw it was
that while John still felt he had but a tenuous hold on his new life and
the opportunities it could afford, Sean lacked that tenuousness, and that
while hard- working and talented no doubt, Sean always carried himself
although affably a bit as if to-the-manor- born with a regal bearing that
John did not yet have, if he would ever have it at all. The link between
John and Sean would always be the fact that Sean rescued him, but the
personal link would be Andy.  Andy lacked Sean's unruffled nature
sometimes, but at the same time he was just as noble. John sensed that Andy
had not always had it as well-off as Sean, although the three of them
shared losing a parent at a young age. He did not know Andy's full story as
it had never been talked about from start to finish, but he knew Andy was
the one he could lean on more so than Sean if he ever felt a lack of
confidence in himself. Lack of self-confidence was simply not in Sean's
universe, and John knew that.

At any rate, John knew that right now what he must do is what he could to
ease the strain of the whole Colleen situation in any small way that he
could. And that is what he set out to do. He was sure Sean was up to the
task before him, and in the event Sean should stumble, John would hold his
cape for him just as he did after the rape.

At dinner, Joe said there was still no word as yet from George and that
they would just have to wait. No one had a huge appetite that evening.

The boys had nothing better to do, so they retired to the library to do
their homework. About an hour later, Joe summoned them into his office.

"Boys, I just got off the phone with George. Here's the deal. Colleen was
denied bail. However, the Judge is saying that he will entertain
alternative incarceration until the time of birth. He is further saying
that the trial will be after the birth of the babies. For now, Colleen is
to remain at the County Jail, but he has scheduled a hearing at the request
of the Defense Attorney to see if alternative incarceration can be worked
out. George will go over with us what we'll present to the District
Attorney. He asked if we'd like to do this tonight, or tomorrow. I
suggested to him that if it wasn't too much we'd probably like to get the
ball rolling tonight. You guys done with your homework?"

"I think we'll be done by the time George gets here, dad..." Sean said. The
other two boys nodded in agreement and returned to their books cranking out
the remainder of their work lickety-split.

Once George got their they settled into Joe's study and listened.

"OK, guys. I'm pretty sure your dad filled you in, so what are the ideas
here?"

"Well, Ginny was talking about that Convent up around Stevens Point..."
Sean said.

"Yes, but that's a Convent. It's not set up for incarceration."

"According to Ginny, it's more like a Cloister. And what if Colleen had to
wear an ankle-bracelet? And maybe we could pay for the local Sheriff to
monitor her?" Sean said.

"OK, well, that's a start..." George said.

"Ginny said she already made the arrangements. I think the only other thing
I'd like to see is that I pay for Colleen's medical care." Sean went on.

"I see..." George said. "Why's that?"

"Because if I pay for it I have control. Oh, I'll make sure it's good care,
and all, but I know she doesn't have insurance on her own and I want her
dad out of the picture on this. Completely. If I pay for it, I have
control. Not Bill Kennedy."

"Very well, Sean. Let's look at how much this is going to cost. I'm just
going to ball park it here for ya.  Let's say the cost of Sheriff
monitoring is $50,000 over the term of the pregnancy. And let's say the
cost of the health insurance policy plus any deductibles, co-pays and so
forth is $25,000. And the cost of birthing is another $25,000 if there are
no issues. You're basically looking at a minimum of a hundred grand. Are
you OK with that? Because if you aren't we can't go down that road."

Joe Wyman looked at his son, but would not answer for him. He was content
that he'd done his job as a parent, and that Sean's judgment in this
instance would be not only sound, but well-founded.

"I'm fine with that," Sean said. "I have the money, or the assets to
convert into the money anyway. And you know what? I don't give a
fuck. These are my kids. She fucking drugged me and raped me. She's only
carrying them because she planned all along to rape me, but she took no
precaution against a pregnancy because she's too fucking irresponsible. Her
shitty decisions don't count for shit from where I sit. I'm gonna be the
one calling the shots here, and I don't think there's a decent person who
would see it any other way. Done! And her fucking father? He doesn't scare
me. He's just an asshole who doesn't know he doesn't hold any cards. No,
I'm sorry, those are my kids, and they're gonna be my kids, not her kids,
and that's exactly how this is gonna go..."

Joe had been looking at Sean the entire time and had not looked away. He
was proud of his son because the answer that he just gave George Dickson
was exactly the same answer he would have given himself.

"Sean," George began. "I'm not surprised at your answer. Look, I'll put all
this before the Judge. I have your financial statement already. I have a
statement from Ginny regarding the Convent. Ginny was smart enough to
already get a confirmatory statement from the Mother Superior over
there. We'll offer that the insurance will be bought through the same
carrier that Kennedy already uses. We will volunteer to the Court that
$150,000 be put in escrow within seven days in order to defray these
expenses which ought to be more than enough."

"OK, but what if Bill Kennedy doesn't agree?"

"He's in no position not to agree. His daughter is an adult. Whatever Bill
Kennedy thinks doesn't count for shit here. My belief would be that in the
eyes of the Court you are showing not only appropriate concern for your
unborn children, concern that their mother demonstrably has not shown, but
you are also capable of, and prepared to pay for it, and that you are in
some way asking for mercy for her.  Pregnant defendants can be a touchy
issue. And I'll have a word in advance with the Judge."

"That sounds good," Andy spoke up. "But what about the custody of the kids
once they're born?"

"We should not broach that subject at this exact time. It's not a matter
for this Judge anyway," George answered. "I don't foresee that Sean will
need anything beyond what's already there to show his fitness as a parent
versus Colleen's unfitness in order to get custody, but if he does he's got
the Ace in the hole."

"The birth certificate..." Sean stated.

"That's right. Kennedy's birth certificate," George answered deadpan. "They
even so much as twitch about you having custody and you hold that birth
certificate right in front of Bill Kennedy's face. You won't even have to
say a word. That'll be all she wrote."

"Alright, I think we got a plan. When will the hearing be?" Sean asked.

"The Judge already scheduled it either for tomorrow or the next day at 8:00
a.m. What's your pleasure, Sean?"

"Tomorrow. Let's just get this done."

"Very well, I shall text the Judge right now to confirm. The Judge wasn't
in any mood to really waste time on this anyway, he's just doing it as a
favor to Steele. I already told him earlier that I figured tomorrow would
be a go. The Judge will notify Steele. He's the one that asked for the
hearing anyway, so he can't really bitch about the scheduling. And he can't
say he didn't have time to prepare as what Attorney is going to ask for a
hearing if he hasn't got anything to say? OK, guys, I'll see ya in the
morning then." George then took his leave.

At 8:00 the next morning, the Bailiff called the hearing to order.

The Judge asked the D.A. if he had anything to say. The D.A. merely stated
that he understood that the hearing was to be about alternative pre-trial
incarceration for Colleen Kennedy, that he would listen to what both sides
had to say and after that he would speak for the State.

Attorney Steele opened for Colleen Kennedy noting that the trial had been
put off for nine months until after the birth and that it would be unfair
for his client, not having been convicted of any crime to be subjected to
incarceration for that length of time while pregnant. He moved that his
client be given in effect house arrest and be confined to her parents' home
with an ankle bracelet.

George Dickson was up next. He stated that in consultation with his client,
the alleged victim in the case, Steele's proposal was unacceptable. He
noted that while this was a hearing and not a trial the amount of evidence,
and the nature of it, that had already been furnished to both the D.A. and
Defense Attorney by the investigators was massive and overwhelming. He
stated there could be little doubt of a conviction in this case. He then
went on to present Sean's financial statement, Sean's offer to place
$150,000 in escrow, the statements from Ginny and the Convent, and his
opinion that Colleen would have insufficient supervision were she to remain
at home and had demonstrated conduct not only injurious to herself, but
also with a high probability of being injurious to the unborn children and
that his client as the father of the unborn children was not waiving his
rights. He stated that Colleen did, in fact, present a flight risk as there
was nothing to lead one to believe she would act responsibly and in the
interests of the unborn children. He commended their proposal to the Judge.

The D.A. wound up, saying that the people would not object to the proposals
of Attorney Dickson, but could not accept those of Attorney Steele. He
stated that the charges against Colleen Kennedy were several, that they
were serious, and that the fact she was carrying two unborn children made
the well- being of those unborn children superior to any wants the
Defendant might have.

The Judge asked if anyone had anything further. No one indicating that they
did, the Judge retired to his chambers admonishing those present that this
would be a 20-minute recess.

During the recess, Bill Kennedy attempted to approach Sean but was
brusquely cut off.

"Mr. Kennedy, I'm not sure why you seem to think that I have some need, or
obligation to communicate with you," Sean glared. "I don't. And your
Attorney, if he didn't already, ought to have explained that to you. I'm
going to say this one time: back off. You're under a restraining order
anyway. You probably shouldn't even be here."

Bill Kennedy looked shocked. He stood stock still for a few seconds,
wordless, then turned around and stalked off.

The hearing reconvened, the Judge announcing his decision. "This Court in
the matter before it today decides as follows: Written copies of the
decision shall be distributed to all parties upon adjournment.  The
Defendant, Colleen Kennedy, is hereby ordered released from the Rock County
Jail to be taken upon said release to the Sacred Mother of Mary Convent
located in the Town of Hull, Portage County. Said release shall be made as
soon as practicable, but not before arrangements have been made with both
the Sacred Mother of Mary Convent and the Portage County Sheriff conforming
to this decision, that are satisfactory to the Rock County Sheriff, and the
Rock County Sheriff's delivery to this Court of written confirmation of
their satisfaction. There the Defendant shall remain until she is delivered
of the children she is now carrying at which time the Defendant shall be
returned to the Rock County Jail pending trial.

"The trial of the Defendant is hereby scheduled to commence on July 21,
2015 at the Rock County Courthouse subject to the Defendant being delivered
of children prior to that date.

"Further, while the Defendant is at the Sacred Mother of Mary Convent it is
ordered as follows: The Defendant shall be fitted with and wear an ankle
bracelet at all times, said bracelet to be monitored by the Portage County
Sheriff. The Defendant shall not leave the Convent for any reason other
than medical care and not without escort by the Portage County Sheriff. The
Defendant shall not have telephone, or internet access while at the Convent
other than telephone access for the purpose of communicating with her
Attorney and immediate family. The Defendant shall have contact with no
persons outside of the Convent other than her Attorney or immediate family
and in no case without prior notification and written clearance by the
Portage County Sheriff.

"Further, the alleged victim in this case, Sean Wyman, is hereby ordered to
not later than the close of business three days hence provide this Court
with evidence of his placement of $150,000 into an escrow account, the
escrow agents to be Attorneys George Dickson and Edward Steele as Officers
of the Court.  Said escrow shall be used for the purposes stated in
Attorney Dickson's written proposal to the Court which shall be appended to
the Court's decision without amendment and become part thereof.

"Failure on the part of any of the parties named above shall result in this
decision being vacated and the Defendant being held at the Rock County Jail
pending trial.

"This hearing is now closed. Court is adjourned." The Judge brought his
gavel down, the Bailiff admonished all to rise and the Judge exited the
chambers.

Colleen Kennedy sat ashen faced and motionless. She looked only straight
ahead, catatonically, turning her gaze neither toward her father, nor
toward Sean. The Bailiffs had to physically lift her up to get her out of
the Court Room. She offered no resistance and shuffled as she walked, head
down, leaning on both Bailiffs in turn.

Sean made a mental note to add psychological counseling and therapy to the
insurance policy he'd already taken out. He had no feelings for Colleen one
way, or the other in the least. She'd put him through hell and only by
sheer force of his own will had he been able to begin to heal. As soon as
the babies were born, as far as Sean was concerned Colleen Kennedy would be
out of the picture forever, but inside her were his children and he was not
about to take any chances.

Sean nudged Andy saying, "Let's bolt, And. I think we're done here."

"I agree. Let's get over to school and just get through another day. At
least we won one today, Sean-o.  Sometime soon when we both have the time
we should make a plan for the future, you know, once the kids are here."

"I was thinking the same thing. Jeez, And, those kids are gonna grow up
without a mom. Well, I guess I did a little bit and you grew up more than
me without a dad. We're gonna be good parents. We have to be. We have no
choice. I guess from now on those kids are the focus of my life. It's like
a lot of things, ya know? I mean, I didn't ask for Steve Gimmel to be
injured and for me to be the starting Quarterback when I was only a
Sophomore. I didn't ask to get ambushed at Braden's house. I didn't ask to
move to Janesville. And I didn't ask for a kid, never mind two at once when
I'm seventeen and my team is trying to win a Championship. My mom always
said that God doesn't give us any more than we can bear. I guess we're
gonna find out, aren't we..."

"We'll be fine, Blondie, we'll be fine... We will do this together, and I
will be your shelter from the storm. We have a long history and this is
only the next chapter. It is what it is."

"I love you, Brown Eyes. I love you so much... I couldn't do this without
you, ya know..."

"I know. And that's fine. That's why we're here together." Taking Sean's
hand and squeezing it tight, Andy added, "And don't you ever forget that!"

"I guess I don't have a choice!" Sean smirked.

"Good! Now let's get going!"

At school Sean thought he noticed odd glances from some of the other
students. He knew nothing of Colleen's legal dealings had been in the local
paper, or on the news and he was pretty sure Kathleen wouldn't talk about
it, if for no other reason than she considered her elder sister to be both
an embarrassment and an impediment to her own life. Sean decided to ignore
it. His reasoning was that he'd done nothing wrong and therefore had no
obligation, if others actually did know, to explain himself to anyone he
didn't have reason to. He knew also that sooner, or later he'd have to tell
the story to all the guys on the team for the same reason he told them
about the rape. In Sean's world, one did not keep secrets from their team
mates, especially if there was a reasonable possibility of them finding out
anyway.

At lunch, the boys were sitting at their usual table, and John was sitting
as usual at another table with Kathleen. Sean filled Tim and Brett in on
what went on in Court. Brett listened attentively, only adding that Sean
appeared to have won one that day. Tim, while ecstatic at the outcome was a
bit circumspect.  "Wymo, trust me, you haven't heard the last of Bill
Kennedy. See, the issue of the custody of the kids after birth wasn't
settled today. I know that's not what the hearing was about, but if I were
you I'd begin to build a case."

Sean looked at Tim, pursed his lips and nodded. "Understood," was his
monotone response.

Just then, a girl Sean didn't know appeared at their table. She did not
sit, but looked at Sean asking, "Is it true? I mean, you know, like what's
going around, or whatever? Is it like for reals?"

Sean stood, saying, "Follow me," and started exiting the cafeteria with the
unknown girl following in his wake. He headed outside in order that
whatever she was going to say would not be heard by anyone else. Once
outside, he wheeled on her.

"OK, just what the hell are you talking about..."

"Well, like, there's this like rumor and everything? And it's like, you
know, going around school.  Everyone's saying, you know, like Colleen
Kennedy's like pregnant and everything? And like you had her thrown in
jail, or whatever..."

"Really... And just who is `everyone'?"

"You know, like everyone's talking about it... It's all over school..."

"OK, here's the deal. I did not have Colleen Kennedy thrown in
jail. Period. If she's in jail, then it's for something she did. I had
nothing to do with it. Got it?"

"OK, whatEVER! What about everyone saying she's like pregnant?" The girl,
whoever she was, was now becoming a little bit demanding.

"I can't answer that. If she is, that's also something I had nothing to do
with. Now, is there anything else you want to know?"

"Well, not, like, right now, you know?"

"Fine. And look, I don't know who you are, and I'm not sure I want to
know. So don't tell me your name.  And I'm not sure why you found it
necessary to come up to me in the middle of the fucking cafeteria
blabbering on about this crap. So, you can go back to your blabbermouth
friends, whoever they are, and you can tell `em that you asked me about
whatever it was you asked me about and that I said I have nothing to do
with it. Are we fucking clear?"

The girl at that point looked somewhat frightened.

"I didn't mean to scare you," Sean said. "I'm not a dick, but I told you
the truth." Sean knew he had told only the half-truth, but he also knew he
hadn't lied. He recalled Joe's old saying about dealing with people, and
that was, "Son, never lie but at the same time there are situations where
you don't show all of your cards." Sean knew that this was such a
situation. He had no idea who this half-cracked chick was.  He'd never seen
her before. He hoped what he'd told her was enough to quiet things down.

On his way back into the building Sean stopped by Coach Slater's office. He
was lucky, Coach was just returning from his own lunch, and hailed Sean
when he saw him coming down the hall.

"Mr. Wyman, something tells me you'd like a couple minutes of my time. If
that's accurate, step into my office." Coach had a knowing look on his
face.

Once inside Coach's office, Coach looked at Sean simply saying, "Spill it,
Mr. Wyman."

"OK, Coach. Here you go..." Sean went over the events of that morning and
spared Coach no detail. He then asked for a couple minutes at the end of
practice to address his team mates. "I can't keep secrets form the guys,
Coach. We're a team. The rumors are already going around. That's not how I
roll..."

"Very well, Mr. Wyman. I'll grant you the time. I would ask you to consider
very carefully as to whether, or not you mention specific names. I probably
wouldn't if it were me, and I'll tell you why. The reason is that this is
not an investigation any longer. It's a Court case. If it were me I think
I'd give the guys honest information and just leave the names out."

"That is what I had planned to do, Coach."

"That doesn't surprise me, son. Now, are you holding up alright?"

"Actually, I am. Now I know who raped me. It almost feels like a weight
off. I want you to know, though, that once those kids are born they will
not be given up for adoption. I intend to raise them, and they will have to
be the center of my attention. I don't anticipate this will affect my
ability to play either this year, or next year, but those kids will come
first."

"That is as it should be, Mr. Wyman. Now, if that is all I've got to get to
work on this week's game plan.  You will be featured as starting
Quarterback this week."

"Thank you, Coach. I won't let you down."

"No. No you won't. I'm certain of that." At that, Coach Slater rose from
his chair and extended his hand to Sean. Sean shook the older man's hand,
thanked him and left for his first afternoon class.

Walking into the room, Sean looked natural, but kept his gaze and gait
exactly as they would be had nothing whatever been going on. At this point
he decided he really didn't give a shit.

Coach blew his whistle at the end of practice and admonished the team to
gather round. "Gentlemen, good practice today! I've got this week's game
plan worked out, and you will all be emailed. Now, I'd ask you to give your
attention to Mr. Wyman."

Sean removed his helmet, tucked it under his arm and strode to the middle
of the pack.

"Guys, remember when I told you that I'd been raped? Well, there's more,
and I'm sure everyone's heard the rumors going around. I'm gonna clear that
up now. The person who raped me has been caught by the law, and the law put
that person in jail. She's pregnant. There's been tests done and the babies
are mine. I'm told it's gonna be twin boys. I can't name names because now
it's a Court case. I won't have any involvement in the case other than
maybe as a witness and that won't be until probably after school is over
this year. I just wanted you all to know, and to know that I had nothing to
do with putting the person who raped me in jail. The D.A. did
that. Remember, I was drugged and didn't have anything to do with any of
it. I gotta say, too, guys, don't worry about me. I won't let this get to
me, and I won't let you guys down. I said when I came here that I came to
be a team player, and that hasn't changed. You guys are my team mates and I
didn't want you hearing anything through rumors. I wanted you to hear the
truth. From me. OK, that's it, guys..."

One by one, Sean's team mates slapped him on the back and offered
encouraging words. More than a few of them told Sean not to worry, and that
they'd see to it if they heard anyone saying anything that the rumors would
be stopped. Sean offered his heartfelt thanks, making a note that he needed
to talk to his father that night.

After dinner, Sean went to Joe's study and knocked. "Dad, I need a minute,
or two if that's OK..."  "However much time you need, son. Come in and have
a seat."

"Thanks, dad," Sean began. "Look, I don't want to get into it tonight
because it's not time yet, but you know at some point before those babies
are born we're going to have to have a plan of action that we can take to
Court to show that this is the right place for them. I don't want to just
depend on the Kennedys not being able to provide that."

"You're right, son, and that's very mature of you. I think by the time
she's in the fifth month of pregnancy we need to have something
finalized. Andy should be put in charge of choosing the room to be used as
the nursery and getting plans ready for whatever conversion, or things are
needed. That's his area of expertise. We already know Ginny's got a Nanny
standing by. We have a cook. The Court already has your financial
statement. I can give them mine if need be. I own this house outright. I
don't believe there is anything that could reasonably be questioned."

"Neither do I, but I'm still worried. I don't trust the Kennedys. Well, I
mean I don't trust Colleen and I certainly don't trust her father."

"I don't either, son. Now, you should not repeat this to anyone. And I do
mean anyone. I've got Ditmar doing a high-level, or low-level, however you
want to think about it, investigation of Bill Kennedy, his Company, his
wife, Colleen, the whole nine yards. It'll take a while, but by the time
they're done I'll know how often Bill fucks his wife, what their favorite
position is, what kind of douche she uses, everything about every cent
they've ever made and spent, what goes in and out of his business, all of
his State Contracts, and everything there is to know about Colleen from the
time she was ten years old. If she picked her nose in fifth grade, I'll
know about it. Hell, I'll know on what date in what year she had her first
fuckin' period if I ask `em to go that far. Those guys have ways of doing
this shit that I don't even really wanna know about. And nobody'll even
know they're doin' it. But you cannot mention this to anyone."

"I won't, dad."

"Good, because I don't need anyone finding out. In particular George
Dickson. Now, George is a family friend and he's our Attorney, but
sometimes there's shit you don't even want your Attorney to know.  This is
one of those times. At least for now. If after the investigation is over
and we've read the report we think there's stuff George needs to know, we
can run it by him at that time, but for right now I don't want anyone at
all knowing this investigation is going on. NO ONE! Not even Andy."

"I got it, dad..."

"I feel bad about you keeping a secret from Andy, especially since I told
you a while back never to do that, but that's just how it goes right now
for the next little while. I just wanted you to know that you're going to
have assistance here. That's all. You're my son."

"Thanks, dad. I get it. The thing is, I'm not really comfortable with not
sharing this with And. I mean, he's everything to me. I'd feel dishonest. I
think we need to talk a little more about that..."

"I understand what you're saying, son. Go get Andy and bring him
here. Where is John right now?"  "He's studying in his room."

"Good. Get Andy and leave John in his room."

Returning with Andy, the boys sat down.

"Sean, shut the door, son," Joe said. "OK, Andy, I just got done talking
with Sean about this, and before I start I need you to understand that what
I am about to tell you is for your ears only. Do you understand me, Andy?"

"Um, yeah... What's this all about?"

Joe went into the details with Andy, and again swore Andy to secrecy. Andy
promised on his father's grave he wouldn't mention anything. To anyone. "I
told Sean-o I'd be his shelter from the storm, and I will. That's my bottom
line. And it always will be."

"Very good, Andrew," Joe said. "These are serious matters and I'm glad I
can rely on both of you. Now, if you don't mind, I just need to get this
pile of work done before I turn in for the night."

"Thanks, dad," both boys said, exiting the room.

"Wow, I don't think I've ever seen dad act like that," Sean said. "I mean,
I know how serious he can be when the situation calls for it, but he was
just plain ruthless."

"Yeah, that was ruthless. Like take no prisoners. Well, think about it,
Sean-o... I mean, I think for dad it's not a matter of a Court Case. To
him, this is about not only his only blood son, but his grandchildren,
too. And when it comes to family people can get really protective. I never
really had that once my dad died, but if I hadda bet, that's what I'd bet
is turning around in his head. He probably thinks Kennedy's gonna try to
steamroller his way to getting those kids once they're born. And what if
Kennedy did?"

"Whadya mean..."

"Kennedy could hold those kids over you until the day he dies. We've seen
how this town works, the Old Money Underground, and we're this close to
being part of it," Andy then made a gesture holding his thumb and index
finger about a quarter-inch apart, "but if Kennedy wins, not only will he
get those kids, he'll crush us. Like bugs. Because he knows he has to."

"I'd thought about that, well, maybe not as together as you just put it,
but yeah, I agree. I foresee a power struggle could come up. Honestly, I
wouldn't want to crush anyone, but if I had to, I mean if I had no choice,
I'd fuckin' take him down."

"I believe you not only could, but that if you had to you would..."

"Yeah, I would. And not for me, but for our sons, And. They are all that
matters here..."

"That's right. So for now, let's just play it cool."

"I always play it cool!" Sean smirked.

"Fuck you!" Andy laughed.

"Wanna fuck me?" Sean winked.

Without saying a word, Andy grabbed Sean's hand and pulled him mightily up
the stairs and into their room. One in the room, Andy shut the door, locked
it and forcefully began to strip Sean's close. When he got to the pants, he
undid them and lowered them together with Sean's boxers. He took Sean's
cock into his mouth feeling it grow and stiffen all the while teasing
Sean's taint and asshole which produced soft whimpers from his mate. Andy
took Sean's hand, guided him up off the bed and into the adjoining, unused
bedroom through a connecting door.

In that room, the boys had installed a sling suspended from the
ceiling. They know they'll have to remove it if that room is used as the
nursery, but for tonight it would be used as intended. It was Sean's idea
to invest in the sling, but Andy's construction expertise meant that they
were able to suspend it from the old, original lath-and-plaster ceiling
without damage. Under the sling, they installed a removable restaurant
kitchen rubber floor for ease of cleaning. A couple times, they'd lent the
room to Tim and Brett, each time Tim taking a pounding from the lanky,
blonde boy's big cock.

Andy fairly threw Sean into the sling, ordering him to get his feet in the
stirrups. Once in, Andy began jacking Sean's throbbing dick while
aggressively fingering his fuckhole. First one finger, then two until he at
last had all four fingers of his right hand jamming his lover's insides. He
worked Sean's prostate until precum gushed to the floor. Sean's whimpering
intensified, now into an unintelligible cross between cries of pain and
pleasure mixed with facially contorted gasps. Andy had never tried it
before, and the boys had never talked about it, but by now Sean was so
loose Andy got it into his head that he should try fisting him. Sean was so
in a state of rapture that Andy didn't think he should say anything, he
thought he should just go ahead and do it.

A ton of lube on his entire hand all the way up to the wrist, he folded his
fingers and thumb into a pointed wedge and went for it. Thrusting at first
gradually, then gradually going in further and further presently Andy found
himself able to go in almost up to his wrist. He kept it up rhythmically,
increasing speed and making sure each stroke palpitated Sean's prostate.

By now, Sean couldn't take it anymore and began jacking off at lightning
speed. Andy reached out and stopped him, ordering Sean that he was not to
cum. He was to lie there and take it. Sean's lips were quivering, his legs
shaking like Jell-O. His entire body shook in rapid spasms. All he could
muster was for Andy to fuck him while meaningless syllables staccatoed
gutturally from his throat. Andy withdrew his arm from Sean's ass, grabbed
both of his hips and thrust with one stroke his big, blood-engorged dick up
Sean's hole. Sean tensed and gasped, continuing to spasm, legs almost in a
seizure-like fashion. He whimpered, and begged Andy to fuck him.

Andy took his partner, fucking him like he was a rag doll. Sean begged Andy
to go faster, fuck harder and again started beating cock, now purple with
each vein bursting in stark relief, the head flaring and his balls sucked
up tight to his abdomen. Tears rolled down Sean's cheeks. Andy grabbed
Sean's hand and rudely jerked it away from his cock telling him again he
was not allowed to cum. Andy could feel his dick grow and stiffen, the
nerve ending in the head telling him he was close. He fucked Sean so hard
he was sure his intestines would come out. At the last second he withdrew
his cock, grabbed Sean by the shoulders bringing Sean's face to his crotch
and spewed thick, creamy, sweet-chlorine ropes of cum 1-2- 3-4-5-6-7-8 on
Sean covering him from forehead to chin. He scooped up his cum and roughly
forced it into Sean's mouth, then ordering Sean he was to jack off.

"Jack off, jock boy. Jack that dick. Cum for me, Sean. Yeah... C'mon,
Sean-o, cum for me!" Again, Andy tortured Sean's shithole, this time with
two fingers that stayed in, massaging the prostate, milking Sean for all he
was worth. Thick pre-cum goo oozed out like a river. When he knew Sean
could take it no more, he reached up with his other hand pressing down and
rubbing just above the base of Sean's cock.

"Cum NOW, Sean! Shoot it!"

Sean convulsed and spasmed making animalistic grunts and cries. His body
stiffened but still he didn't cum. He jacked off faster and faster until
Andy could no longer see the discrete hand motions in the blur. With a howl
and scream he shot one small dribble of cum followed by five, or six shots
over his head, one of them hitting the wall that was at least six feet
away. His body shook, his breathing ragged, his heart racing and face bent
out of all recognition. For what seemed like five minutes, Sean continued
to writhe like a snake, convulse, and breathe like a fish out of water. His
legs hung limp, Andy's now liquefying cum dripping off his face.

"I can't... I can't get..." Sean gasped trying as hard as he could to
remove his feet from the stirrups, but too weak to do so.

"I'll be right back," Andy said. He disappeared to the adjoining bathroom,
returning with a warm washcloth and a soft towel. Tenderly, he cleaned
Sean's face, dried him and massaged his thighs and calves to calm the
ameliorated, but still shaky muscles. "Shhhhh!" Andy said. "Just lay back
and relax.  What you do to me, Sean-O. You always have, you know..."
Reaching forward and kissing Sean softly on the lips. "You are the love of
my life, Blondie. You always have been and you always will be. I want you
to know that my whole life, if it's long, or short, will always be loving
you."

Andy took Sean's larger hand into his own, raised it to his lips and kissed
it.

"I love you, so, too, Brown Eyes. I can't do what I do without you. I
couldn't for one day. Here, help me out of here so I can see if I can stand
up..."

Andy disentangled Sean from the sling and had him naked in front of him,
both boys standing face-to- face and loving eyes to loving eyes. Sean sank
down on his knees taking Andy's now deflated but still somewhat engorged
cock and head into his mouth. Lovingly Sean fellated Andy's rapidly
hardening penis into his mouth and throat. He didn't play with anything
else, he wanted this to be an old-school blow job. The full length of
Andy's big cock Sean slammed down his throat. It didn't take long before
Andy's dick noticeably grew in girth, the head twitched and Sean's gullet
was bathed in multiple firings of his lover's thick, creamy sperm.

Disengaging his mouth, Sean stood, exchanged Andy's cum with a kiss
whispering, "Never leave me."

"I won't, silly," Andy replied hugging Sean tight and for all he was
worthwhile taking his hand, leading him back to the bedroom. Andy laid Sean
down on the bed, and cuddled up next to him, laying his head on Sean's
furry chest. Andy began to slowly stroke Sean's body simply reveling in its
supple musculature and the not ungenerous quantity of blonde hair accenting
it all.

For his part, Sean lay with his eyes closed, nuzzling Andy a little bit,
enjoying just being relaxed after the seeming eternity and torrent of
upheavals that was his recent life. Andy's stroking relaxed him and he
began drifting off in to a semi-trance world without worries, or cares. He
felt his penis engorge a little bit and flop over from resting on his pubes
to his inner thigh producing a twinge of feeling in the head and a slight
further engorgement. He feathered the fingers of one hand offer his chest,
pausing only long enough to titillate his responsive nipples as they stood
to attention. His right hand fell softly down his torso until the
fingertips grazed the length of his semi-hard dick, pausing to almost
imperceptibly stimulate the underside of the glans.

Slowly, Sean began to softly and loosely jack his cock. The slow
stimulation engorged his dick more than usual and he could feel precum
start to leak out. He bade Andy lay his head onto his stomach, telling him
that his soft hair would feel good. It did. Andy said nothing, merely
feathering with only the barest tips of his fingers Sean's nipples which
responded instantly through the masculine, dark blonde hair on his chest.

At once, Sean's breathing grew ragged. He kept up the slow, sensuous
jacking of his cock never saying a word. He gasped. After a further little
while his breathing grew still more uneven, he sucked in a great breath
announcing in a hoarse whisper, "Oh, God! I'm gonna cum!"

He pulled Andy's face close to the tip of his cock letting go with thick,
steamy ropes of cum first laid down across Andy's cheek, then his lips and
back into his waiting throat.  His breathing rapidly returned to normal. He
lay back, silent and thankfully looked at his lover simply whispering, "I
love you."

Andy squeezed Sean's hand.

At a mansion north of town along the Rock River, Bill Kennedy got into his
car. He laid some paperwork on the passenger seat next to him, mouthing
"You're dead meat, ya little fuckin' faggot."

At the house Kennedy just left, Ed Steele picked up his phone, dialing
George Dickson's private line. Even though he knew it was late, and that
the call would be transferred to George's home office, he made the call.

"George, Ed. Sorry to bother you at this hour, but here's the deal: Bill
Kennedy just left my place over here, and he's going to file suit tomorrow
for custody of his grandsons when they're born. Just thought you might
wanna know."

"I appreciate it, Ed. You are aware of course that he doesn't have a
prayer..."

"I advised him that was my opinion, yes."

"Very well. Thanks for the heads up, Ed."

"Anytime. You have a good evening, George."

"You, too. You bet. Bye."

"Well, what was that all about now, George?" Peggy asked.

"That was Ed Steele. Kennedy's gonna try to get those babies."

"Well, that's just retarded, don'tcha know. How the hell does he think he's
gonna do that?"

"We'll let him make the first move. I know exactly how to put a stop to
this."

"OK, there, whatcha cookin' up?"

"I won't involve the Wymans. I'll have Tim pay him a visit and hand him a
copy of his birth certificate.  That oughta be all she wrote."

"You sure Timmy oughta get involved here?"

"Tim is the perfect person. He loves Sean. You know he does, Peg. Like a
brother. And it wouldn't involve the Wymans, or their Attoney which is
me. It's perfect. Kennedy won't do anything to Tim, anyway.  Tim's too
big."

"Well, OK. You don't tell me how to teach Math and I won't tell you how to
be a Lawyer. You about done, for the night, ya old coot? I'd kinda like ya
to fuck me."

"Don't hafta ask me twice, Peg. I could use getting my rocks off after that
phone call..."

The next morning at breakfast, George explained to Tim what was going on
and what he'd like Tim to do.

"In a fucking heartbeat, dad. A fucking heartbeat."

"OK, good. Here's an envelope with the birth certificate in it, and here's
a second envelope. This is for you. Open it."

"Jesus Christ, dad! Fuckin' A!"

"Thought you'd like it..."

"So, when am I gonna confront Kennedy?"

"This Saturday afternoon at the Club. Show up at 2:00. After golf. You come
to the bar. Guaranteed he'll be sitting right there at the bar. Handle it
any way you want, but hand him the certificate, make sure he knows what it
is and if he says anything you just tell him to be careful what he wishes
for. He'll remember Sean told him that same thing."

"You got it, dad. And I won't say a word to anyone."

"Good. Don't."

***SATURDAY AFETRNOON***

Tim was still savoring the previous night's victory and the team remaining
undefeated. He'd also pulled a fast one with Brett the night before, each
one telling their parents they were spending the night at the other one's
home but renting a room at a motel near the Interstate highway. While Tim
remained Tim, it astounded him how much Brett had grown in their
relationship to the point where Tim would feel diminished without him. In
the beginning, Tim relied on Brett to be someone he could open himself to,
but the intervening weeks brought love, and then the realization that here
was his equal, and in some ways his superior. Instead of trepidation it
brought Tim security. The tall, lanky blonde boy with the looks of a Greek,
or Roman statue genuinely loved him. The love was mutual, deep, and a
necessary ingredient for both young men, just on the thinnest cusp of
adulthood. And they had plans to make...

Tim told Brett what he needed to do that afternoon. Brett said he would go
with Tim, but would stay invisible as too much stimulus to a guy like Bill
Kennedy especially in terms of one more tall, athletic young man might
produce only an intimidation factor and not achieve the desired result. Tim
agreed but gave Brett a sign that if necessary and if issued, would draw
him out of the background.

At precisely 2:00 p.m. Tim and Brett pulled into the parking lot at the
Janesville Country Club and made their way to the bar. Stopping to scope it
out, Tim saw Bill Kennedy right where George said he would be. Tim
whispered to Brett to go around to the other side of the bar behind
Kennedy's bar stool where he wouldn't see him and act nonchalant.

Once done, Tim made his way over to Kennedy, extended his hand saying,
"Hey, Mr. Kennedy! I haven't seen you for a long time!"

"How you doing, Tim... No, I guess you haven't."

"Well, what's new? How are Colleen and Kathleen?"

"Um, fine... Not much to talk about..."

"Say, Mr. Kennedy, actually I got something here that I'd like you to take
a look at."

"Sure, what is it."

"Oh, OK... Just a minute, it's in my pocket here." Tim fished out the birth
certificate that was in an envelope and handed it to Bill Kennedy.

Kenney took the envelope, opened it, withdrew the piece of paper and
unfolded it. His eyes bulged and his face went purple. "Follow me outside,"
he quietly instructed Tim. Tim followed motioning for Brett to follow him.

Kennedy exited the bar through the rear door that led to the tee area of
the golf course, kept walking and in about seventy-five yards came to the
relatively secluded area of the Greenskeeper's house. He stopped. He
wheeled on Tim exploding, "Just what the fuck is this about, punk!"

"I was asked to give that to you, Mr. Kennedy. What significance it has I'm
not sure."

"Don't play dumb with me, Dickson! You're just like that fuckin' father of
yours. Always behind the scenes doing other people's dirty work. That's all
your fucking family has ever done in this town.  Weasel-ass, piece-of-shit
Lawyers for whoever'll pay you the most, that's all you've ever been."

"Look, Mr. Kennedy, I won't play dumb. OK, I know what that piece of paper
is and I know exactly what significance it has. And so do you. So I'm just
gonna cut to the chase here. You leave Sean Wyman alone, you hear me?
`Cause if ya don't you'll end up on the short end of the stick."

"You fuckin' little prick! You and that Wyman kid, fuckin' little faggots
all of you! You're gonna be sorry you ever fucked with me, Dickson. And so
is that Wyman kid."

At that moment, Tim gave Brett the sign. Brett sauntered out from around
the corner of the house with his phone in his hand."

"Who the fuck is this?" Kennedy bellowed.

"I'd introduce you, Mr. Kennedy, but it's not important. You get that on
tape, hun?"

"All of it."

"Hun? You called that pole-smoker over there hun? Fucking hun? You disgust
me. You and that Wyman faggot thinkin' you're gonna play hardball with
me. Go ahead and fuckin' try it. You'll wish you hadn't."

"Speaking of wishing, Mr. Kennedy, you be careful what you wish
for. Something tells me you've recently heard someone else give you that
advice. It's good advice, too. Now, you keep that piece of paper I gave you
and every time you get an idea in your head about how you're gonna do
something to someone you take it out and read it. You read it real good."

"You fucking smart-ass punk!" Kennedy roared, face purple with rage and
winding up his fist. He uncorked a blow right in Tim's direction. Tim stood
stock still not so much as lifting an arm in defense.

"THUD!" came the noise as Bill Kennedy crashed to the ground. He hadn't
seen Brett's roundhouse kick sailing toward his groin and now he lay on the
ground with the birth certificate in one hand and clutching his testicles
with the other.

"I'd say we're done with our conversation now, Mr. Kennedy. You have a nice
afternoon now, and please remember what we talked about," Tim said. With
that Tim and Brett turned and walked off.

"Mission accomplished, Sweetheart!" Tim smiled at Brett, taking him in his
arms and giving him a full kiss still within the eyeshot of Bill Kennedy.

"Why didn't you raise your hands to block his punch?" Brett asked.

"Two reasons: first if he hit me, you're a witness. Second, I had a feeling
you wouldn't let him hit me. I love you for that. Well, I love you anyway,
but now I love you even more. That guy's such a fucking dick.  You know,
he's still gonna try to get those kids. He got a warning just now, yeah,
but the guy's fucked up and in the end he won't care. He'll do it anyway."

In London, Ginny's cell phone rang. "Hello?"

"Verhgeenia, eess Olga. I von't keep lonk. Diss call to London cost
money. Ven you come back to home, yoo must to be very careful. Der iss
someone who haff piece uff paper. He know come from yoo. I tink yoo vill be
threatened, or maybe vorse. I am not sure, but dat iss vut I see. Yoo must
not go to yoor home vitout someone check for yoo first to be safe. Dat iss
all vut I haff to say. Goot bye, Vehrgeenia."

Ginny heard her sister's telephone hang up on the other end. She knew what
she had to do. She placed a call to Chicago to the storage garage that kept
her Mercedes indoors while she was in London, and a second call to George
Dickson and a third to Joe Wyman.



END CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO