Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 23:00:05 -0500
From: Sid Gittler <sidg@optonline.net>
Subject: Arkansas Vacation:  D2's Mystery

This is a work of fiction.  It's a different kind of episode but one I had
fun writing.  All the various warnings apply.  While there is no sex in
this episode there is mild consensual S&M action involving teen boys.  The
web site referred to is fictional.  All comments to sidg@compuserve.com.
Enjoy.

Arkansas Vacation
By Sid G.

D2's Mystery
As told by Caleb, Assistant Slave Master

	This happened while Slave Master Benjy was away on vacation.  He
has given me permission to relay the events.  Told me to write it and Marc
Fogel would proof it before it got posted.

	It all started about two that Monday.  The lunch show had just
emptied except for the customers taking slaves to the private rooms when
this guy walked in.  Definitely didn't look like one of our regular
customers so I sent Wang over to take care of him.  With that New York
Chinese accent he isn't always the easiest to understand but he does have
the customer skills to go with his sex and martial arts skills.

	After a couple of minutes he waved me over.  I finished drying
myself off and slipped a shirt on.  Walking over I realized the guy was in
his late forties, thin but still out of shape and looking haggard.  Hoped
he wasn't looking for a snuff scene with him being the victim.

	Wang gave a semi-bow, "Master Caleb this is Mr. Damien Robinson
from Iowa.  He has come looking for his son, says he's a slave here."

	I nodded back, "Thank you Wang, please stay."

	"Can I just call you Caleb, this Master bit makes me a little
uneasy even if my boy accepts it, and you can call me Damien," Mr. Robinson
said.

	"No problem, would you like to sit, something to drink?"

	"Yes, both would be nice.  A diet cola if you have it."

	"Make it two Wang," I said and he headed off.

	I led him to a table in the front and we sat.  He looked around
silently till Wang returned then took a sip.

	"Thank you Caleb.  As Wang said I've come to see my son.  I know he
works here since he sent me a couple of letters to tell me he's in
Peckertown and working for the Little Leather Club.  Though truth be told I
didn't know what kind of club it was until now."

	"Does he know you're coming?"

	"No."

	"Why is he here?" I said.  That may sound like a harsh question to
ask a parent but as you know by now we take good care of our employees.  If
his son really worked for us and didn't want to see his father, he
wouldn't.

	"Old story you've probably heard a million times.  May even be your
own story.  D2, what we call Damien Jr., is fourteen now and came out to
his mother and me a year ago.  I was upset, worried and very unsure but
tried to keep my head.  His mother went off the wall as soon as he
convinced her it wasn't some bad joke."

	"The fire and brimstone routine?" I said trying to make it easier.

	"Even sent for the Catholic priest to perform an exorcism, and
we're Baptist.  The priest told her no and I tried to get her to calm down
but she did and said everything.  Including accusing me, what were her
words, of 'being a child raping faggot who had raped her baby boy and made
him a flaming fruit.'"

	"Did you?  Have sex with your son?"

	"Her I slapped, you I'll say no because I understand your concern.
Even in the middle of Iowa I'd heard enough of why boys became gay, or born
that way, to understand.  To top it off my wife told everybody so his life
became miserable, hell really.  Then that TIME article came out and I left
it on his bed.

	"'Dad, do you want me to leave?' he asked me.  I told him no but if
he wanted to I'd pay his way to Peckertown."

	"Wow," Wang and I said together.

	"You're right, it is an old story but that's an unusual twist to
it.  Do you have a picture of D2?" I said.

	He brought two out and they matched the slave I'd figured.  In fact
he was in a private room right then getting his ass whipped and fucked by a
regular.

	"Does your wife know you're here?"

	"No, we separated two months ago.  This drove us apart,"
Mr. Robinson said.

	"Damien, this is how this is going to work.  Cooperate or you won't
see your son.  If he doesn't want to see you then you won't."

	"Fine."

	"Come to the eight o'clock show tonight.  You don't have to do
anything with any boy if you don't want to, but you have to come with an
open mind.  D2 will not be here.  Return here this time tomorrow and we'll
talk some more."

	He finished his soda.  "Fine, but no front row seat please.
Someplace near the wall so I don't ruin your other customers time if it
gets too much for me."

	"Deal.  Now go look around town and see what your son's hometown
has to offer."

	We shook hands, he left and I went and called Mr. Jorgenson and got
his approval of the way I was handling it.  By the time D2 was finished
with his customer he was in no condition to talk.  I told him he had the
night off but he had to stay in the barracks when he wasn't working.  He
started to ask why but when I raised my hand to slap him he shut up.  Two
of the senior slaves led him to the bus with my orders for today's
housemaster.

	For the first time ever I sat behind Benjy's desk and booted up his
computer.  The PC holds records of every slave that has ever worked for the
Little Leather Club.  If you're new to the tales of our fair city you
should know slave is a job title and not a condition of involuntary
servitude.  In fact it is totally voluntary and the boys can leave at will.
While they are with us though they give us their loyalty and obedience
without question.  We take care of all their needs and they keep all tips.
The money's kept in individual savings accounts at the Peckertown bank so
there's no risk of theft or disputes over whose money it is.

	With the PC finally up I went into the database and pulled up D2's
file.  Just so you know I'm not just adopting his father's name it is what
he calls himself.  Of course the first boy called him R2D2 D2 ended up in
the infirmary while D2 got five lashes for fighting, five I gave him.  And
that was a two-punch affair, both by D2.  The biography he'd supplied
matched his father's story, which was a good sign.  I called Sheriff Waters
and asked him to do a check on Mr. Robinson.  He promised me he'd have
something before two on Tuesday.

	There was a soft knock on the door.

	"Come in," I said and Roy stuck his head in.

	"Everything ok boss man?"

	"Get me a beer and I'll tell you what's up."

	"Permission to get one for myself Sir."

	I gave him the finger and waited.  Minutes later he returned with
four beers on the tray.

	"Figured if you were in here then you needed more than one and I
know how you hate to drink alone."

	I nodded, drank half the first one, and gave him the finger again.
Then I told him the story.  By the time I was halfway through he had a
puzzled look on his face.

	"What's wrong Roy?"

	"You're sure this is our D2 we're talking about?"

	"Pictures right and the story matches the one in the computer."

	"Something's not right.  D2 signed up for the contact program so he
could let his folks know where he was and how he could be reached in an
emergency.  Four months ago I took a call from his mother, or at least
someone saying she was his mother who said his father was dead.  Dead of a
heart attack because God struck him down because he'd condoned his son's
wicked ways."

	"Damn it.  What the fuck is going on?  Just glad D2 was busy so I
didn't put them together right away.  Get Wang and tell him to take a phone
and go looking for the father and then call the hotels and see where he's
staying.  Then get back here.

	Roy nodded and left with his second beer.  I finished mine as I hit
the speed dial for the barracks.  I gave them a description of the guy and
told them under no circumstances to let him in.  Guy gave them problem to
call the police.  Which is exactly what I did.

	"I was about to call you Caleb," Sheriff Waters said, "Something's
really fishy about this one."

	"Let me guess, Mr. Robinson's dead from a heart attack four months
ago."

	"Almost, he's dead alright but it was from a bullet to the head two
months ago, though I guess that'll give you a heart attack if you live long
enough."

	"Any doubts to the identity?"

	"None, enough of the face was left plus fingerprints and dental
records.  Thing is everybody knows the wife had something to do with it but
she has an ironclad alibi."

	"Let's hear it," I said.

	"Front row of a lecture being given by the chief of police on
spousal abuse.  There when the call came in about a shooting on Main St.
The good news is that the chief is emailing me some pics so why don't you
come down and take a look."

	"Fine, I'll be there as soon as I can.  The boy's safe in the
barracks and doesn't know anything.  Wang knows what he looks like and I
have him wondering around trying to spot him and watch him.  He'll call in
if he makes contact.  Barracks have instructions to call you if he shows up
there and causes trouble."

	Roy walked in and handed me a note.

	"Sheriff, he's supposed to be staying at the Jorgenson Inn but they
don't know if he's there or not."

	"Good work son, if you ever want to become a detective let me
know."

	I laughed, "Me take orders?"

	We both laughed and hung up.  I pointed at the chair opposite me
and Roy sat and I briefed him on the latest developments.

	"I'm going to run over to Waters' office now.  You wait here in
case Wang calls or anybody shows up.  I want Wang at the door tonight since
he knows the guy and have him seat Robinson at a table near the door.  I
want Paulo to be his slave.  Tell him it's going to be an easy night and
we'll make up for any lost tips."

	"Tell Paulo what's up?" Roy said.

	"In private and tell him to keep his mouth shut if he knows what's
good for his slave ass.  Can you get to your email account here at the
club?"

	"Yeah, with hotmail you can log in from anywhere."

	"If there's a match I'll forward it to you and I'll be back as soon
as I can.  You're in charge."

	As I left the club my lover Matt pulled up outside.

"Got time for a snack honey?" he said.

"Not right now but you can drive me over to the sheriff's office and wait.
Maybe after if you've got the time."

"All the time you need.  You ok love?"

I sighed.  "Something's came up that's not in the usual scope of things and
I'm trying to make sure it doesn't blow up," I said and gave him the
abridged version.

	"That sounds totally wacko," he said as I finished.  Second later
my cell rang.

	"Hello," I said.

	"Master Caleb, it's Wang.  I've found him.  He just entered the
Jorgenson Inn and went to Cody's to eat."

	"Great, I'm almost at the sheriff's office.  Get hold of Sergeant
and have him put a man on him even if he leaves the hotel.  Robinson, or
whoever he is, knows you.  Watch the door and if he leaves let me know
instantly."

	"Should I follow?"

	"No, leave that to hotel security.  Just contact me."

	"Yes Master Caleb," Wang said and disconnected as we pulled up in
front of the office.

	"You want me to come in?" Matt said.

	"Yeah, I'd like that love," I said, leaned over and kissed him on
the lips before getting out of the car.

	"Howdy boys, got here just at the right time," Waters said and
handed me three pictures.  "Right off the printer so careful you don't
smudge them.  Any of them a match?"

	I handed one back almost immediately.  "That's him, no question and
according to Wang he's at the Jorgenson Inn right now.  Have hotel security
keeping an eye on him."

	"Good job," Waters said.

	"Something doesn't make sense," Matt said.

	"What son?" Waters said.

	"Caleb, you said he told you he'd just got here but I've seen him
around town for at least two weeks.  Heard him at Wayne's Pizza and if it's
the same guy his accent is more Brooklyn than Dubuque."

	"I've got you beat, that's his dead father according to Sheriff
Jefferson, he held up a finger before either one of us could say anything.
"Albert, get Sheriff Jefferson on the line again."

	"Yes Sir," said the young deputy.

	"Sir, are you sure you matched the pics with the right names?  Or
they could have," Matt said.

	"Pick up Sir, they're patching you through to his car," Albert
said.

	Waters put the phone on speaker and turned the volume up while we
listened to clicks originating about 750 miles north."

	"Hey Whitey, hope you've got good news," Sheriff Jefferson said.

	"Depends, I'm looking at the third picture you sent.  Thin face,
guy in his forties with short hair in a sever widow's peak."

	"Scar on his left cheek?"

	"Yep, that's the one," Jefferson said.

 "If that's the one they picked throw them in jail overnight so they won't
bust your balls again."

	"Sir, this is Caleb Anderson.  I talked to this man myself this
morning with one of my managers.  He's got him under observation right this
minute so it seems either somebody fooled you or somebody's going to an
awful lot of trouble to fool D2."

	"Probably the latter," Sheriff Jefferson finally said.  "D2 is the
last of the family line.  Not only was it a total scandal when he was outed
but when his father died it left ownership of the family business up in the
air.  Right now he's worth about five million and if he returns and claims
his estate it goes to twenty."

	"Holy shit," I said.  "But why pull a double like this?  I know I'm
young but it doesn't make any sense."

	"Tommy, who gets the money if D2's dead?" Waters said.

	"Then and only then does it go to his mother.  Court said she needs
custody to be his guardian."

	"Get him up there and she gets three to four years to drain the
business and/or come up with a scheme to delay his taking control," Waters
said.

	"And from what he told us when he applied to work for us that's
what she'd do.  The way he tells it she's the reason he ended up here," I
said.

	"Oh that's the story all right," Sheriff Jefferson said.  "One
thing we've got to consider is whether your D2 is the real one.  Do you
have a picture you can send me?"

	I looked at Matt and we started giggling.  "Sheriff, do you have a
laptop with you with a mobile modem?"

	"Yes, give me a second."

	"Matt, call the barracks and tell them to get D2 into a pair of
shorts and in front of the camera.  Tell them to tell him I'll personally
explain everything as soon as I can."

	"Ok, everything's up and loaded," Jefferson said."

	"Go to www.littleleatherclub.com/barracks/camera.

	"Asking for a password."

	"CalebMatt, and I know this isn't necessary, but please don't give
either the URL or the password out.  This is a security system not a sales
site."

	I was logging in on the police computer with my other password.

	"Understood.  There are about twenty boys milling around and
they're all naked."

	"What you're seeing is the barracks where the workers at the Little
Leather Club work.  And I want to assure you that they're all there
voluntarily and can leave whenever they want."

	"Glad to hear it from you but Sheriff Waters explained it to me
earlier.  Now where's D2?"

	"Getting some clothes on him sir."

	"Didn't have to bother.  I busted him for skinny dipping when he
was ten.  Took him home that way too."

	At that point the screen cleared and the boy we knew as D2 came in
front of the camera.  He stepped back so his head and torso were on view.

	"Looks like him except for a couple of new scars that I guess he
got there."

	"Probably, we watch over the boys but it's part of the job," I
said.

	"Can I talk to him?"

	"Not directly but if you have a question I can relay it."

	"Ask him about skinny dipping up here."

	I took the phone from Matt and then had Johnny give the phone to
D2.

	"D2, this is Master Caleb."

	"Sir, if I may, what is this all about?"

	"I'll be out there a little later and I'll tell you then.  I
promise."

	"Yes Sir.  What do you want me to do?"

	"Tell me about skinny dipping when you were ten back home."

	There was a smile on the screen.  "Some of my friends dared me to
do it and you can't back down can you?"

	"Not easily," I said.

	"So we went out to the local watering hole and we're having fun
when the fucking sheriff shows up himself and busts us all.  Took us home
naked too.  Didn't give us our clothes back until we were inside the house
and in front of our parents.  You can imagine how my mother took it."

	"Oh yeah, about as well as mine did when I was twelve.  And ten
lashes if you repeat that," I said.

	"Of course Sir.  Anything else?"

	"Hold on," I put the phone down and repeated the conversation,
leaving out the "fucking."

	"Tell him to moon the camera, making sure he shows the left cheek."

	I relayed the information and it almost looked like he blushed.
Did it without hesitation naturally.

	"Damn it, it is him.  That's a family birthmark topped with a scar
from a car crash.  And don't even ask for that explanation."

	I thanked D2 and repeated my promise before hanging up with him.
On the computer monitor I saw the other slaves questioning him.

	"Any suggestions Jefferson?" Waters said.

	"I'm arranging for a plane to get there.  Where's the nearest
airport?"

	"Commercial or private?"

	"Private, we have a small commercial jet at our disposal."

	"We've got our own strip that will handle that.  Let me know when
you're ready to takeoff and I'll give your pilot everything."

	"Sirs, this guy is due at our eight o'clock show.  D2 will not be
there.  The performance starts fifteen minutes later so if you have any
instructions please get them to me before.  Now I've got rehearsal and a
couple of errands before then so I'm going to go unless you need me to
stay," I said.

	"No, go ahead and thanks Caleb.  I'll try and give you a call about
7:30," Waters said.

	"See you tonight," Jefferson.

	Matt and I left and stopped at the deli for sandwiches and soda
pops.

	"You going to tell him everything?" Matt said.

	"Not going to lie, I can't do that once I promise the truth.  Can't
lose credibility or they won't trust a master to do the right thing.  What
bothers me the most right now is telling him his father was murdered and
not a heart attack.  That's going to be rough for him."

	"Rough for you too," Matt said.

	"But nobody lied to me about my Dad's being gunned down.  Almost
surprised his mother called.  Maybe making sure her son wouldn't come back.
Damn, I've got one rich slave there.  Maybe I should bring him into the
apartment and let him be our personal...ouch," I stopped when Matt punched
me in the arm.  "Ok, scratch that idea."

	"Good, besides if I have a slave the other apartment managers will
want one," Matt said.

	"None of them live with a slave master."

	"True," Matt said and ran his hand up my thigh.

	"Outside of just wanting to have lunch was there anything you
wanted to see me about?  Before the D2 mystery got in the way?"

	"Just one question really."

	"Which is?"

	"When do we get vacation?  The three of us each get two weeks a
year and we just have to make sure two aren't out the same week so the
others can cover the one whose out's building.  So when do we get to go?"

	"Let me talk it over with Benjy when he gets back but I know he's
working on something big for the club so it may have to wait until next
year but I promise we will get away from here for that week."

	"That's all I'm asking.  Maybe I'll take you home to meet Mom.  You
dressed in your work clothes."

	"Take you to mine, you dressed in your old work clothes."

	"Have to by new ones, burnt the real ones."

	"Loved that fire," I said.  "And I promise to come straight home
after the show.  Let Roy close up."

	"Very cool," Matt said.



	Matt and I took D2 into the master's office and I started by
showing him his father's picture.

	"Who's this Damien?"

	"My father, where did you get this picture?  Why Damien all of a
sudden?"

	"To me D2 is a slave and right now I need to talk to the man inside
the slave.  What's the last you heard from your dad?"

	He leaned back and looked at the picture for a while.  I started
wondering if I could do this right.

	"I never talked to him once he put me on the bus to come here."

	"What?" Matt said.

	"I came out to my parents.  Dad basically accepted it but Mom
flipped out big time.  When I wouldn't take it back she outed me to
everybody.  Everything but take a full-page ad in the town paper.  Dad saw
the story in TIME and when it got to bad home he offered to pay my way
here."

	"Lucky boy, why haven't you called him?" Matt said.

	Lord I loved the way he was playing the innocent act.

	"You know we got the masters to institute a program where we could
let our parents or somebody know where we are in case of an emergency.
Well I signed up for it and like a month or so later I get a call from my
mother that Dad died from a heart attack.  Even said it was my fault God
struck him down for supporting me.  I cursed her out for five minutes but I
don't know when she hung up during it."  He looked at the picture again.
"Can I keep this Master Caleb?"

	"Of course, but I promised you the truth for everything and it's
time I started.  This afternoon a man looking just like that and knowing
your full story walked into the club right after the show while you were in
with the client.  Said he was your father and wanted to see you.  Seemed
possible to us and we were going to talk to you and see if you wanted to
see him."

	"Did Mom lie?"

	"Just wait, it gets weirder.  You know your masters and the
Jorgenson family care about all of you so the first thing we do in a case
like this is call Sheriff Waters and have him do a check.  I'd just done
that when Master Roy walked into the office and that's when I found out
your father was dead.  I called the Sheriff back.  Shit, I don't know how
to say this but right out.  Damien, your father didn't die of a heart
attack.  He was shot to death on Main St. in broad daylight."

	"She did it, that fucking bitch killed him," Damien said.

	"Didn't do it herself, has a perfect alibi."

	"Then she had somebody do it."

	"Even Sheriff Jefferson believes that, just no witnesses, no
evidence and no suspect."

	"Was that who was looking at me through the camera?"

	"Yeah, wanted to take a look at the young heir.  Make sure you were
Damien Robinson Jr."

	"Take it I passed.  Did he tell you about the scar?"

	"No, and it can wait.  Look, you do realize you are a very rich boy
and if you claim your inheritance you'll have even more.  We can worry
about your getting your hands on it later but right now we have to protect
you."

	"That's why I'm grounded?"

	"Yes, and you'll get the tips you would have made tonight anyway
but until this is further along you're staying here."

	"Ok, but once I go back out there," he pointed out the door, "I'm
back to being D2 the slave at least for now.  And you will let me know
what's going on?"

	"Yes to both.  I know this is a bit much so if you want to stay in
here and think for a while it's ok."

	Damien shook his head.  "My friends are out there.  Where I need to
be.  Thank you Master Caleb, Matt."  He stood up, bowed and walked out.  A
couple kisses later we did too.



	D2 was surrounded by several of the slaves as he cried on Alvin's
shoulders.  We stopped and watched for a moment.  When one of the other
boys noticed I just put my finger up to my lips and the two of us left.

	"You know, just now convinced me more than anything he said or did
in the room," Matt said as he started the car.

	"This may be a conspiracy but doesn't mean everybody's involved
except us."

	"I know, I know but everything was just so convenient, easy.  The
way he brought up the scar, how everybody knows the story pat.  How D2
sounds better educated than most of us despite coming from some backwater
town in Iowa that probably has more pigs than people like the whole state."

	"Yeah, but the people live longer than the pigs.  You have to go
back to work?"

	"Not right away.  What you thinking?"

	"Head back to the club and I'll print out D2's files.  Then you'll
head onto the web and see if you can find anything."

	"Like pictures of D1 and D2?"

	"That would be perfect," I said and pecked him on the cheek.



	By 7:30 everybody was in place.  Wang was at the door greeting
early customers while Roy and I checked over the slaves working that night.
D2 wasn't the only one with the night off.  Matt was still surfing the web
and waiting for Waters to call the private line in Benjy's office.
Suddenly the boys stood a little straighter and little quieter.  Turning I
saw Elija Jorgenson, Benjy's father and head of Jorgenson Enterprises.

	"Good evening Sir.  This is an honor," I said.

	"My pleasure Master Caleb, Master Roy, boys.  Caleb can you spare a
moment in the office?"

	"Yes Sir.  Master Roy finish up here please then do a final review
with Alvin."

	"Yes Master Caleb," Roy said.



	We entered Benjy's office and Matt leapt to his feet.  He manages
one of Mr. Jorgenson's apartment buildings.

	"Good evening Mr. Jorgenson.  Caleb, I was just going to send for
you."

	"Finally find something?  Matt's been searching the web for some
independent confirmation of the stories we've been given Mr. Jorgenson."

	"Men, we're alone, it's Elija after all this time.  You didn't
trust Sheriff Waters?"

	"Didn't trust Sheriff Jefferson.  Plus as Caleb can tell you I love
conspiracy theories and I figured there were two reasons for everybody
having the same stories," Matt said.

	"Truth or everybody in on it.  So what did you find?" Elija said.

	"First, the boy in the barracks is Damien Robinson Jr., or D2 to
just about everybody since the day he was born.  Even found out how he got
that scar on his butt but I think I'll let him tell it when he's ready."

	"Cool, that was my biggest worry," I said.  "What about
Mr. Robinson?"

	"Remember you told me Roy said D2's mother called about four months
ago?  Well she only told half a lie, the father did have a serious heart
attack then but recovered only to die from two bullets to the head two
months ago."

	"Things only get crazier.  What about the money?"  I said.

	"That took the most digging since it's not a public company.
Company's run by Mr. Robinson's handpicked heir who has D2's proxies till
the boy is eighteen.  And that gives him an automatic majority.  The only
way Mrs. Robinson gets her paws on the company is if her son dies or gets a
court to give her control and as the Sheriff said she needs him there to do
that.  The kicker is this will is only six months old and virtually cuts
her out completely outside of a very generous allowance until she remarries
or moves in with the same person for six months and then it gets cut to
one-third its original size," Roy said and picked up a bottle of diet cola.

	"I take it there are no other children or any close relatives on
the father's side?" Elija Jorgenson said.

	"Nothing around or viable as far as I can tell.  No one that is
mentioned in the will at any rate."

	"He's really worth up to twenty million?" I said.

	Matt nodded.  "You know, with Aaron, Haley, Kenney, the Snitz twins
and I guess Powersound we have a lot of rich kids in this town."

	"Glad you left mine off the list," Elija said and chuckled.  "Plus
you have boys like Cody and Justin who are becoming rich the old fashioned
way."

	"They're earning it," I said remembering the old ad slogan.

	The phone rang and Matt used the speakerphone to pick the call up.
"Little Leather Club, Matt speaking."

	"Hi Matt, it's Sheriff Waters, Caleb there."

	"Yes along with Mr. Jorgenson and you're on speaker."

	"Great.  Here's what we have so far.  Sheriff Jefferson won't be
here until morning because our field doesn't have lights for night
landings.  I've got two men trailing the so-called Mr. Robinson and another
two going around town with his picture.  One man will follow him into the
club while the other waits outside.  Just go along like you bought into his
story one thousand percent.  I talked to the State's Attorney and he says
right now all we might have is an impersonation charge which might or might
not stick since all we really got is your and Wang's word."

	"So we wait till we see what he wants?  I'm not putting D2 in
danger Sheriff," I said.

	"Don't worry about that.  We just wait till he plays his hand a
little more.  I'll talk to you in the morning."

	"Sounds good, take care," Mr. Jorgenson said and the line went
dead.

	"You staying for the show Sir?" I said.

           "No way, not my scene at all.  Besides the wife is waiting home
with something special she's not talking about."

	"I got to remember that trick to get my honey home early," Matt
said.

	"I promised I'm coming right home after the show so get going and
get something special on the table," I said and blew him a kiss.

	"Need a ride?" Elija said.

	"Ok, that way I can leave mine for Caleb," Matt said.

	"Great, now go, I've got to get ready for the show."



	I was putting my leathers on in my office when there was a soft
knock on the door.

	"What," I said, a little sharper than I'd meant.

	"Master Caleb, Mr. Wang says to tell you he's here," a shaken voice
said.

	"Thank you, tell him all is as planned."

	There was no reply except moving feet.  Wondered what was happening
but I had to put it out of my mind.  The problem with everything going on
was that I hadn't been able to get a good rehearsal in.  You see each
performance is different.  For one no slave can handle it on an everyday
basis.  Couple claimed they could but never gave them a chance.  Besides
that we try and do different things even with the same boy.  When we
rehearse we don't do everything but walk through it.  We'll do the bondage
setups to make sure they won't damage the boy by themselves as well as
letting us do what we want.  Benjy invented what we call the not-a-whip
whip.  They look and feel like the real whips but the lash is made of a
soft material that gives on contact leaving no mark or injury.

	I'd missed all but the last fifteen minutes giving Roy, myself and
the young slave Alvin just a quick run through.  I'll admit here that I get
a little more protective about Alvin than a lot of the others.  He's
fourteen but still looks ten like he did when he showed up a year ago.
He'll let us do anything we want to him.  We even turned him into a human
porcupine and put him on display for a week like that once.  Took another
week for the bruises to disappear.

	Another knock and I look at the clock.  "Coming."

	I pick my whip off the table and check the full-length mirror.
Hair lying right, open leather vest and shorts showing just the right
amount of detail.  My eyes follow the line of my muscular legs down to my
bare feat.  I'm the only master that doesn't go for the leather boots.
Just feel more control in my bare feet, but then if I could get away with
it I'd never wear shoes.

	As I walk up the hallway I hear the theme music playing.  A hard
rock tune Powersound wrote and recorded just for the club.  I'm bouncing on
my toes when I reach the curtain and nod at Dweeb.  Totally worthless as a
slave but makes the backstage, lighting and timing work perfectly.

	"Ready whenever you are Master Caleb," he says.

	"Do it man."

	He smiles, turns the lights down and signals the spot man in the
rear booth.  "Go."

	I run through the curtain hit the mini-trampoline and do a back
flip onto the stage.  My whip's slashing the backs of the two slaves
kneeling at the front of the stage a second after I land and the crowd goes
wild.  After a minute I pull them up by the hair and show their bleeding
backs before sending them off.

	The music stops and the crowd settled down.  I look over and see
the alleged Mr. Robinson with Paulo.

	"Gentleman welcome to the Little Leather Club home to the
fulfillment of your darkest fantasies.  I hope all of you had the
opportunity to experience the attractions out back before the show.  I am
Master Caleb and I will be your host for tonight.  As usual both the
masters and slaves are trained professionals so don't try this at home."

	"Especially if we want to live through our prison sentences," some
guy shouts from the back and gets a laugh."

	"On that cheery note let's get started.  To open the show let's
welcome Master Roy's Whip Magic!"

	I ran off and Roy walked on with two slaves who stood on each side
of the stage and a third who stood behind him.  The lights dimmed and the
music started.  It was a slow piece to start and with each cord one of
Roy's two whips flashed out and struck a boy's back.  Slowly the beat
increased and Roy kept time till his hands were a blur and the only
evidence of his hitting a boy was the new spot of blood on the slave's
back.

	Suddenly the music stopped and the audience went wild.  The three
slaves were removed and replaced with fresh ones.  After checking to make
sure they were fastened in the right place Roy stepped to his spot and
nodded.

	The lights went out and the music resumed at its frantic pace
punctuated by screams of pain from the slaves and delight from the
customers.  The music slowed and I started bouncing on the balls of my feet
to loosen up for the next act.  The music stopped, the lights came on and
Roy bowed.  The crowd went wild as they saw the three different whip
patterns on each boy's back.  I trained him to be a master and I don't know
how he does that.

	I ran back up to the stage and patted his tight ass.  "Gentlemen,
give it up for Master Roy!"

	He ran down the aisle and when he was halfway down a Frisbee flew
at him from the left, he snapped his whip and it flew back at me.  For five
minutes we kept it going and then a second disk appeared and we worked both
for another five till we both jumped up and caught one right before it hit
our crotch.

	"Once again, give it up for the whip magic of Master Roy," I said.

"Give it up for Master Caleb, your master of ceremonies," Roy said.

The customers were on their feat clapping.

"We appreciate your applause gentlemen, but we live off your tips.  There
will be two slaves passing through you during this intermission to collect
the tips for Master Roy and the six slaves who entertained you.  The next
act will be in fifteen minutes so if you want to send your slave to the bar
now's the time," I said and walked to the end of the bar.

Chang put a bottle of Poland Spring in front of me a second later.  I
watched Paulo walk over and noticed a slight limp.  He stood next to me and
waited for Chang to come back.

"What happened to your leg?"

"Foot, he stomped on it when he got up to applaud.  I don't know who this
guy is but he's into this scene big time.  My back's scratched up, he's
been twisting my nipples hard and he's been fingering my hole and I know
he's going to stick his cock up it when I get back there."

"Sure doesn't sound like D2's dad.  Has he asked about him?"

Chang took Paulo's order.

"Yes, you know the usual.  How is he, does he like it here, does he have a
boyfriend and a few more.  I answered truthfully as you instructed Master
Caleb.  Anything else?"

"Just be the great slave you are."

Paulo beamed and headed back to Mr. Robinson.  I went and found Roy and
Alvin in the back.

"How's everything going?" Roy said.

"Fine, you two ready?"

Both nodded.  Alvin had a collar and unattached wrist and ankle restraints
on.

"Alvin, as soon as you've had enough collapse on the ground.  If you can
take some more on the back fall on your stomach.  If you want us to stop
fall on your back."

Alvin nodded.  He only speaks when he has to despite having a wonderful
voice.  I also knew that Alvin like virtually all the slaves will take much
more torture than they should to prove their worth to the masters and other
slaves.

Dweeb came back and we nodded.  When the music started I tapped Alvin on
his cute bubble butt and he raced out on stage.

Wordlessly he darted back and forth, up and down the aisles like he was
looking for an escape route.  Whenever a customer reached a hand out he
twisted just out of reach.  Finally he slowed in the middle of the hall and
Roy came out from the rear with his whip swirling in the air while I came
onto the stage the same way.

Back and forth we danced in the aisle.  Whips danced around Alvin
occasionally striking him and drawing a small welt.  The boy jumped onto an
empty table and sprang over me and headed to the stage with the two of us
in pursuit.  I leapt on stage left while Roy took the right with Alvin in
between.

Now we could start the serious whip work.

We moved to the music, whips flicking out and cracking against Alvin's pure
white skin.  No matter how many shows or customers or how much training he
always healed cleanly.  Which is just fine with me, I just love a clean
canvas.

Taking our time Roy and I used welts and blood as our paints.  Alvin kept
darting around the stage.  We turned and followed.  The hardest part was
not hitting each other.  I can't give you a blow-by-blow description of
this act better than I have.

Time went by, at least twenty minutes, and my arms were feeling heavy when
Alvin fell to his hands and knees and then to his stomach.  Roy and I
looked at each other and I flashed five fingers at him and five at me.  We
took turns from each end and then kicked him over on his back.

When his raw back hit the floor he howled.  I raised my hand and the lights
went out.

The crowd went nuts.

Roy and I caught our breaths then lifted Alvin to his feet.  He made an x
over his crotch, the slave's code for no sex at the end of the act.  We
both copied the motion to let him know we saw.  The crowd might be
disappointed but I don't think any of us was up to it.

Besides, I did have Matt waiting at home.

I snapped the whip and the lights came back on and we bowed to the
audience.  I gave Alvin his basket and he went out into the audience to
collect his applause, tips and gropes.  When he was safely on his way I
headed over to Mr. Robinson.

Paulo stood at my approach and that devoted father's cum covered cock
popped out of the slave's ass.  Mr. Robinson stood and shoved his cock back
in his pants.

"I see you enjoyed the show Mr. Robinson," I said.

"Have to be dead not to, though I'm sure glad you don't videotape the
audience.  Hate to see it get back to the home office or the wife."

"Glad to hear it, hope you appreciate what your son sees in it.  It's not
an easy life for the boys but we take care of them, protect them."  I
didn't mention that we had videotaped him.

"Good to hear.  Especially if he doesn't want to come home with me and I
know I can't force him.  Have you talked to him?  Does he want to see me
tomorrow?" Damien Robinson Sr. said.

"I talked to him this afternoon and he's thinking about it.  Confused right
now I guess but my hunch is the answer'll be yes."

"Great, so I'll be back here after the lunch show tomorrow.  And while I
appreciate the cover and drinks being on the house I insist on tipping
Paulo.  He was really great," he said as he reached for his wallet.

Paulo smiled.

"Be my guest, Paulo is one of our best slaves," I said.

Robinson gave Paulo a fifty, ruffled his hair and walked out.

"You ok boy?" I said.

"Yes master, though I earned this fifty more than some bigger tips.
Something not right with him.  Not sure I'd let D2 alone with him."

"He'll never be as alone as that guy thinks.  Now go get the bus back to
the barracks.  And thanks."

"Anything you need I am your slave Master Caleb," Paulo said, bowed and
turned.

"Anything?" Roy said softly.

Not softly enough as Paulo wiggled his hot butt as he walked out the door.

"You've got the comm. Roy.  I promised a certain young man I'd be home
early tonight."

"Enjoy, see you tomorrow."



Matt greeted me wearing a shear kimono that left about as much to the
imagination as a slave's outfit.  We kissed long and hard before I went and
showered.  He'd left a matching kimono for me and when I emerged from the
bedroom dinner was on the table.

The food was great and the sex was better.  Enough said.  And if you don't
like it remember who's writing this.



The sun was shining brightly when the phone rang at nine Tuesday morning.

"Caleb, it's Albert.  Sheriff wants to know if you can be at headquarters
at ten and bring D2 and whoever else you want with you?"

"Tell him as close as I can.  Did Sheriff Jefferson make it in?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good, see you," I said.

I poked Matt in the side.  "You got work to do or do you want to see this
through?"

He pecked me on the cheek.  "I gather from the question you want me along
so I'll come.  How long do I have?"

"Sheriff wants us at the station at ten and we have to pick D2 up first.
I'll have Roy and Wang meet us there.  Figure forty-five minutes."

"Cool, let me shower first and I can make a tour before we have to leave."

He jumped out of bed and I watched his sexy butt till the bathroom door
closed.  I went to the kitchen and poured the orange juice while I made the
phone calls.  I'd finished by the time my partner walked in fully dressed.

"Dress nice and not in work clothes, including something on your feet.
Don't want to leave Sheriff Jefferson with the wrong first impression,"
Matt said.

I stuck my tongue out and took my shower.  The advantage of an older lover
is experience, and of course he was right.  I was representing Jorgenson
Enterprises and not just the club.  Which reminded me to call Elija on his
cell as soon as I dried off.



We picked D2 up at ten.  He was wearing a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers
without socks.  A little light for November, even in southeast Arkansas but
about all we have for the slaves.  He was rubbing his neck as he walked
down the front steps and looked clearly uncomfortable.

"Master Caleb, can I please wear a collar of some kind?  This is weird not
having one on."

"You always wear one don't you?"

He nodded.

"Do you have a simple plain one?"

"Yes Sir, plain black leather with a Velcro catch."

"Fine, but hurry."

"Thank you Master Caleb," D2 said and ran back inside.

He was back out in two minutes a lot happier as he slid into the back seat.

"Sheriff Waters and Sheriff Jefferson will be running this meeting but you
have full say Damien.  As far as this goes you are not a slave."

"Ok, but can you keep it D2 Sir?  Nobody's ever called me Damien."

"Nobody?" Matt said.

"Only the bitch when she was mad at me.  You know the Damien Augustus
Robinson routine."

"Augustus?"

"I am a junior," D2 said and we all laughed as Matt pulled into the police
parking lot.  Roy and Wang were waiting outside.  Roy had a box of donuts
with him and my stomach rumbled in greeting.

"Can you wait till we get inside?" Roy said.

"Yeah, but before we go in remember if you have a question or something to
contribute go ahead without waiting for my permission but all decisions are
mine and D2's.  As I told him he's not a slave as far as this is concerned.
Any questions?"

Nods all around.

"D2, if anything isn't right or you need a break just ask to go to the
bathroom and I'll take you so we can discuss it privately."

"Yes Sir."

We entered and I got my first look at Sheriff Jefferson.  A tall older man
with graying hair with an air of getting his own way.  I turned to look at
D2's reaction and wondered if Matt's love of conspiracies was infecting me.

"Hi Sheriff," D2 said and I think everybody let out their breath.

"Hello D2, good to see you again.  Lord you've grown and look more like
your father than before, God rest his soul."

"He's really dead then?  Murdered like Master Caleb said?" D2 nodded toward
me.

"I'm afraid so son, but he died instantly and didn't suffer.  Whoever did
the shooting was good.  And good enough to get away clean and you know how
I felt about your father.  Did everything I could, including some I
shouldn't have."

"Did he ever talk about me since I left?"

"Every time we met he talked about coming down here to see you.  Just
hadn't figured out how to do it without everybody finding out.  I guess you
can understand that."

"Sure do, just wish he had.  Only one I missed from up north, no offense
Sheriff," D2 said.

"None taken, now let's sit down and have some of those fresh donuts and
figure out what's going on now."

The meeting lasted over an hour before we all headed over to the Little
Leather Club.  I have to give the boy credit; D2 sat right through and
participated.  By the time we were through he was comfortable with the
plan.



Wang took the two sheriffs and D2 up the back entrance to the private room.
It's got a perfect view of the entire club but from the club it looks like
part of the lights and sound booth.  Today Scotty was doing the opening act
and Roy the main show.  I hung out in the showroom till the show started
and then walked around to make sure everything was in order and going
smoothly.  I ended up in my office and leaned back in my chair to wait.



I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew a hand was gently
tapping my shoulder.  It was a nervous Dweeb.

"Show's over in five minutes Master Caleb.  You said to let you know."

"Thanks Dweeb, and don't be afraid, not telling me cause I was sleeping
would have been a lot worse."

He smiled, bowed and left while I stood and straightened up.  Not sure how
long I slept but I felt a lot better.  I picked up my whip and headed
backstage.

Roy was finishing up with a few added flourishes.  He'd been a bitch to
train but worth it.  Master Benjy has an aura around him that none of the
other masters, including myself, come close to.  His peers know he's only
twelve but they don't treat him like a kid, at least more than once.  I've
got my own talents as does Scotty and the other masters both on and off the
stage.  Roy though has magic on stage that's special.  Knows exactly how
far he can go with a slave, even when working three or more.  Only Benjy's
better with the whip but it's the flair, the flash Roy uses that sets him
apart.

When he dropped the whip and bent down hands on knees the crowd gave him a
standing ovation.

I walked on stage and cracked my whip in the air.  "Gentlemen, once again
give it up for Master Roy.  We appreciate your applause gentlemen, but we
live off your tips.  There will be two slaves passing through to collect
the tips for Master Roy and the slaves who entertained you.  See y'all next
time."

Roy and I walked over to the bar and Chang put a bottle of water in front
of each of us.  I sipped as Roy downed half in one gulp.  Watched as some
customers left while others headed back to the private room with the slave
of their choice.  It was 2:13 when Mr. Robinson walked in and up to the
bar.

"Caleb, sorry I'm late," he stopped and looked at Roy, "Roy isn't it?  I'm
D2's dad.  You put quite a show on last night.  Really got into it to my
surprise."

"Thanks Sir, always a pleasure to meet one of our slave's parents.  Doesn't
happen near enough.  So how do you like our fair city?"

"Nothing like I expected, even after reading the articles.  Lot better than
I hoped, and talking with and fucking Paulo last night really opened my
eyes."  He laughed, "Did I really say that?"

"Yeah, just hope you don't start up with D2 if he goes home with you," I
said.  Not that there was a chance in hell of that happening.

"Never, I mean Paulo's one thing but my son, I couldn't.  Speaking of D2,
can I see him?  Does he want to see me?"

The tone, attitude was right and might have fooled me if I didn't know
better.  He wanted D2 all right, but for a different reason.

"Yes, but he wants me to stay, at least for the first part," I said.

"And as you said it's under his rules so I've got no problem with that."

I nodded at Roy who headed to the back while I had Wang pour a diet coke
for Mr. Robinson and led him to a table.

"Caleb, if he wants to come home with me what will it take to buy his
freedom.  I'm a rich man so money's no problem."

"Your son became a slave of his own free will and he can leave at his own
choosing.  It's only in between that we control him.  But I warn you if you
try and take him by force you will spend time in the jail wing of the
hospital before you're booked for attempted kidnapping."

"Whoa Caleb, we don't need to go there," Mr. Robinson, or whoever he was,
said.

"Good, now if you turn around you'll see your son walking up the aisle."

He stood and turned as I moved to his side.  The smile on his face was big
as can be.  D2 sold it equally well, if not better because this guy really
did want to see the boy.

"Dad, is it really you?" D2 yelled as he ran up and hugged the man.

"Yes, sorry it's taken so long but until I dumped that bitch and could hide
behind the right business trip it just wasn't possible.  But man, you've
grown from a little boy to a young man since I put you on that bus.  Look
at those muscles and you must be a good four inches taller."

"Thanks pops, my masters take good care of me.  I like my life here.  It's
hard but I feel good and I make my customers feel good and you always said
that making a customer happy is the most important thing in business," D2
said.

"Very true, as long as you make money at it too.  Do they really let you
keep your tips?"

"Yep, all of them and don't charge us for food or anything.  So how's
everything back home?"

"Moved out of the house two months ago and it felt like a ton off my back.
Business is growing.  The only thing missing is you.  I'd like you to come
home with me."

"Wow, but I don't know.  It wasn't just Mom you know, the whole town turned
on me.  Couldn't go back to school there."

"With you there we can work to bring Iowa into the 21st Century."

"I'd really consider it, I really would except for one thing," D2 said.

"What's that?"

"You're not my father.  He was murdered two months ago.  So who in the name
of God are you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about D2, I'm your father.  Did these
masters of yours put this idiot idea in your head?  Damn it I knew I
shouldn't trust them."

"They didn't put the idea into his head.  I told him the truth," Sheriff
Jefferson said.  "Now answer the boy's question.  Who the hell are you?"

The man turned and stared.  Then started laughing.  "Tom Jefferson, how'd
you get them to make you Sheriff?  And I don't think you really need to ask
who I am."

Now it was Sheriff Jefferson's turn to stare and I got the feeling that
something a lot deeper was about to open.

"Jeremiah Octavius Robinson!  Now I really want to know what the hell
you're doing here?"

"Caleb, can we push a couple tables together and get some pitchers of
whatever everybody wants to drink?  This may take a little while," Jeremiah
Robinson said.

I looked over at Whitey who nodded.

"Roy, Wang, D2 move the tables.  Chang come take orders and after you fill
them go check the inventory."

Everybody moved and I didn't take my eyes off this member of the Robinson
clan.  Jeremiah and Jefferson kept eyeing each other and I couldn't track
what their eyes said.  D2 sat between Roy and Wang where he could see the
two men and me.  His eyes were easy, confused and nervous.  Finally we were
served and alone.

"Jeremiah, the last I saw of you was thirty years ago and you were running
out of town your family's money ahead of a lynch mob.  Far as I know nobody
from home's heard from you in all this time, not even your folks."

"Thirty-two actually since then.  Well before my cousin here was a concept
in his father's eye.  Did your Dad ever mention me D2?  One point we were
closer than close."

"Remember asking him once a little before I came down here if there were
any family I could go to.  Took a long time before he told me no and I
thought that strange."

"Got the family brains, sense and if you're really happy working here the
family guts too.  And I didn't run Tom I was shoved out by two people I
loved, my father and Damien."

"What's my father got to do with all this?" D2 said.

"This all took place the summer of 1968.  I was seventeen and the town's
disgrace.  Now they call them punks then it was hoods and I dressed the
part.  Jeans, tee shirt with a pack of Marlboro's tucked in the sleeve and
a leather jacket.  Damien just turned fifteen and was the model student,
perfect in every way.  People figured the only reason he had anything to do
with me was because I was his only relative his age.  There was a lot more
than that to our relationship and each of us."

"You were caught raping his ass Jeremiah," Jefferson said.

D2 jumped up from his chair but Roy grabbed him and shoved him down.

He turned to face D2.  "That's the thing cousin, I wasn't raping him and if
we'd been caught twenty minutes earlier they would have found him fucking
my ass.  We'd been doing it for two years but we knew that instant I had to
take the blame.  Town couldn't tolerate faggots then any better than now
plus it being the heirs to the biggest employer in the area.  No, I had to
be the evil rapist and leave town never to return or go to jail for life."

"Your lying, everybody said Damien was screaming when they found you."

Matt chuckled and I gave him a dirty look but giggled to.  Roy, Wang and D2
joined in as well.

"You laugh at rape?  I thought you masters cared about the boys."

"Sorry Sheriff, but I presume you've never been fucked in the ass.  There
can be some pain, there can also be screams of delight as your prostate
gland is being rubbed back and forth," Matt said.

"And did he love to scream during sex.  One other thing Tom, I kept in
touch with my father and Damien by mail until they died.  And since I'm the
one revealing secrets the truth is I went and saw Damien in the hospital
when he had his heart attack."

"What?" D2 and Jefferson said.

"How was he?" D2 said.

"Impossible, we kept track of everybody who went in and out of his room,"
Sheriff Jefferson said.

"Why?" D2 said turning toward the Sheriff.

"As you can imagine things went downhill with your mother."

"She's not my mother."

"Well their relationship deteriorated even more after you came here.  As
soon as he was alone in his room he called me at home.  Worried she was
trying to kill him somehow and he'd barely escaped this time.  Naturally I
told him he was going overboard but agreed to put two security cameras in
his room.  I personally looked at every face of every visitor that saw him.
So Jeremiah I don't think you saw him," the Sheriff said.

"Shortly after the moved him out of ICU he called me and told me to come
out immediately.  He needed me more than any danger the truth coming out
could cause.  I flew into Dubuque and drove over.  We arranged to meet in
the solarium a couple days before he went home.  He filled me in on
everything including that the bitch knew about the new will.  Told me if he
died to come down here and keep on eye on his son.  Gave me two letters
before I left," he took them from his jacket pocket, "one is for you D2 and
the other is for you Tom.  As you can see they're both sealed and I swear I
haven't read them."

They both reached for their envelopes and slowly read them.  At least
twice.

"Tom, that Mr. Robinson's handwriting?" Sheriff Waters said.

"Just short of swearing to it in court, besides there are things in here
only he and I know.  No doubt in my mind."

"Nor mine, this is from pops," D2 said and wrapped his arms around Roy's
shoulders and began crying.

I wanted to read his letter but left it where it lay.  Jeremiah stood after
a couple minutes, walked over, knelt alongside D2 and put his arms around
him.  The young boy swiveled and took hold of his older cousin's neck.
Jeremiah kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear.  D2 giggled and
straightened up.

Suddenly I felt a lot better.  Everything was working out for my slave.
Jeremiah might not be D1 but was looking like somebody he could trust and
relate to.  Jeremiah turned to the rest of us while keeping an arm around
D2.

"Master Caleb there are a couple things you should know about me.  After I
left home I headed to New York City, Greenwich Village to be precise and
worked my way through college and law school.  My firm specializes in
business law and estate planning.  If you can set up an appointment with
your local lawyer we can get to work on getting complete ownership of the
company into D2's hands though cousin I would recommend letting D1's team
run things for now."

"But the will says he has to be eighteen," Sheriff Jefferson said.

"No it doesn't, it says he 'has to be of legal age in the state he resides
in when he claims ownership and it is the laws and courts of that state
that govern.' I should know, I wrote that will," Jeremiah said.

I whistled, "While I don't own this club we do retain one of the best
lawyers in this part of the state, if not the whole state.  If that's ok
with you D2?"

"Cool.  But you're saying I have to live in Arkansas till it's all over?"
D2 said.

"Maybe even to you hit eighteen to be safe from her trying to use another
state's laws from overturning any Arkansas decision."

D2 smile went from ear-to-ear.  "Master Caleb do you think Master Benjy
will have any objections to having a multi-millionaire slave for the next
four years?"

"Not if you mind your place boy," I said with a smile just as broad.


Epilogue:

"All rise," the bailiff stood and we did as Judge Amelia Patterson flowed
in wearing her black robes and sat behind her bench.

"Please be seated," she began, "Will Mrs. Juliana Robinson and Mr. Damien
A. Robinson Jr. please stand."

I looked at D2 as he nervously stood.  He looked good in his proper suit
but felt more at ease once we'd allowed him to wear that leather collar
under his shirt.  He turned and our eyes met.  I smiled and gave him a
thumbs up.

"Mrs. Robinson, Mr. Robinson.  I've heard the evidence and studied the case
law.  Mrs. Robinson I can understand your parental concerns about the life
your son lives.  However your admitted reaction to his homosexuality is
responsible in part to his being here in Arkansas and not with you in Iowa.
It also means under the terms of your late husband's last will and
testament that it is our laws that govern.

"Under those laws Mr. Robinson is entitled to assume full control of his
inheritance immediately.  It is so ordered.  Court is in recess."

D2 turned and hugged Henry Silvers, his lawyer, and then his cousin.

Mrs. Robinson suddenly grabbed D2 and pushed him against the banister
separating the court from the seating area.

"Damien Augustus Robinson Junior you're not going to get away with this,"
his mother said.  "I'm not done with you yet even if it means doing to you
what I did to that father of yours."

"And what was that bitch?" D2 said as I reached the banister.

"You know damn well I ordered his murder."

She stopped and covered her mouth but the damage was done.  Sheriff
Jefferson walked over and slapped handcuffs on her and led her out.

D2 turned around and we smiled at each other.

"Master Caleb, please take me home."

I nodded, turned and we left, leaving the lawyers to finish up the
paperwork.