Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:16:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: E Walk <cane_lane_candy@yahoo.com>
Subject: Pinochle Chapter 28

Pinochle
By E Walk
(Copyrighted by the author)
Edited by Will B.

Chapter 28 - Love Is Busting Out All Over

This is Ben

After lunch, James was driving the large van and he drove the three of us,
accompanied by Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank to Cambridge.  We had a great time
looking around.  We were enthralled by the library.  We visited several
cathedrals along the way and Uncle Hank and Uncle Rod explained the
background of everything as we went.  We stopped at an old time pub and had
fish and chips before returning to London.

When we returned to townhouse, Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank had to get dressed
for their formal party.  Mrs. Proust tried to offer us something to eat,
but we thanked her and turned down her offer.

Uncle Hank and Uncle Rod reappeared, after being assisted by James, dressed
in their tuxedoes.  Brian couldn't resist, "So is this the house of the
penguins?"

Uncle Rod tossed back, "You ain't seen nothing yet, Sonny.  By the time you
go home on Saturday, you are going to thank your lucky stars that you
visited this haunted house with rats bigger than some parts on your body."

As Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank were leaving, they reminded us, "Since James is
going to be with us, we want you to take Shamus with you since we don't
know this Rafael person.  There are six of you young people, so it would be
much better if you had two bodyguards, as opposed to one.  Have a good
time.  We probably won't be home until about eleven if we can stay awake
that long.  Since Shamus will be with you, you will be able to come and go
at will.  Now, have a good time and don't do anything we wouldn't do."

Brian was enjoying this banter, "Gee, you sure have left the door wide open
for us to do almost anything.  Maybe we should be telling you two, don't do
anything that we wouldn't do."  Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank as well as Jaime
left laughing.

We heard the front door chime.  Shamus entered, "Miss Victoria Mason has
arrived."

Vicky immediately went on the offensive, "Sham, you know I don't like to
called Victoria."

The doorbell sounded again.  Shamus came back to the sitting room and
announced. "There are two gorgeous ladies here to whisk you gentlemen
away."

I had the presence of mind to ask, "Shamus, would you please ask Mr. Rafael
to join us so we can make plans for the evening.  I am not sure that I feel
comfortable being driven around town in a limousine."

Shamus went and got Rafael.  I think we all sensed that Shamus and Rafael
had reservations about joining us.  When they came entered the room, Brian
started, "Okay everyone, here's what Vicky thinks we should do.  She thinks
we should catch the underground around the corner and act like we are the
typical tourists.  Ben, Grant and I won't have any problem because that is
what we are."

"The first thing that has to happen is for Rafael and Shamus to get rid of
their ridiculous costumes.  If the are wearing them, they would call
attention to us."

Grant decided to intervene, "I agree with Brian for a change.  Shamus,
Rafael looks to be about the same size as you; why don't you see if you can
find him some jeans or something and then you can look like you are part of
our crowd.  That way, no one will even think about you being our body
guards.  Why we need body guards, I don't understand anyway."

Rafael looked at Maria with a questioning look.  Maria realized that he was
asking for her permission.  Maria looked at Rafael, "Rafael, my parents
just asked that you show us around; they didn't say that you had to do it
in the limousine.  Besides we won't be wasting the petrol and time trying
to find parking spaces."

Shamus and Rafael went to Shamus and Jaime's room.  While they were gone,
Maria made an announcement, "Inga's parents are arriving Thursday evening
and my parents are planning a reception in their honor on Friday night.  My
parents would like for you three guys and Vicky to join us at the
reception.  The big drawback is that it is a formal affair so you might not
want to go.  I'm sure that you didn't bring tuxedos.  Your two uncles are
also invited."

I was somewhat surprised by the invitation, "We'll need to check with Uncle
Rod and Uncle Hank to make sure they don't have anything planned for us
then.  We know that they have something that they want Grant and me to do
on Thursday.  If they don't have any plans, I'm sure James and Shamus can
help get the proper clothes."

Any further discussion was interrupted by the return of Rafael and Shamus.
Vicky started to giggle, "They look just like your typical tourist with the
baggy jeans and sandals. Let's get going."

I was beginning to see a pattern already as we were walking from the
townhouse to the underground station.  Rafael and Shamus were following us
to make sure that nothing happened to any us.  I also noticed that they
walking close to each other and talking in almost a whisper.

When we got on the train, we three couples sat in random seats but Shamus
and Rafael stood so they could watch us.  They were standing so that they
had body contact with each other.  I wanted to say something but decided
against it.  As we were just about ready to get out at the station, Maria
leaned over and whispered, "Don't look now, but I think that something must
be in the air.  Look at the way Shamus and Rafael are behaving like
moonstruck teenagers."

We walked around Piccadilly Circus and some of the side streets and watched
the people in Trafalgar Square.  We were all glad that we hadn't driven.
The traffic was a mess.

This is Grant.

To say that my mind was boggled would be an understatement.  The people
were teaming like ants all over the place.  It was such a nice evening that
it looked like every man, woman and child in London was meandering about.

Vicky spotted a place where there was a seat at a restaurant that was
selling pizza and suggested that we grab it.  We were eating and I was
sitting next to Shamus.  He leaned over to me, "See that blonde woman over
there putting the make on the young guy.  If I had a hundred pounds, I'd
bet that she is not a she but a guy."

Before I could react, Brian asked, "Shamus, that blonde broad over there
isn't really a female is she?  I have this creepy feeling that she is a man
dressed as a woman.  She seems to be a little too aggressive to be a lady."

I started to laugh, "Brian, Shamus just finished telling me that he was
willing to bet a hundred pounds that the she was not a she, but a he.  Why
would any guy want to dress like a female to catch a man."

Rafael surprised us all, "I know that I shouldn't be saying this in front
of the senoritas, but some guys feel it is necessary for them to do that to
get another man to take them to bed.  But there are others who do it to
lure their prey back to their lair so they can rob their victims."

Brian was looking puzzled, "Well, if she is a he, which bathroom would he
or she go into?  Speaking of which I need to go to the loo as you British
people say.  I guess some of you present would call it the water closet.
Why can't you just say bathroom or toilet like normal people?"

As we were getting ready to leave Shamus paid the bill and left a gratuity
before any of the rest of us could react.  Ben lit into him, "Shamus, we
didn't bring you along to pay our bills.  Uncle Hank and Uncle Rod
indicated that you were going to go with us to make sure we were safe."

Shamus started to answer, "Ben, please don't be upset with me.  Dad gave me
the money and told me to make sure that I paid for everything."

Brian was quick to pick up on Shamus's comment, "Shamus, did you just tell
us that either Uncle Hank or Uncle Rod are your father?"

Shamus smacked his head, "Please everyone forget I made that last comment.
Mr. Peters and Mr. Cox are not Jaime's and my biological fathers.  They
have treated us like we were their sons ever since they saved us.  Please
don't ask me for any more details now.  I need to talk to them to see how
much I can tell you, especially with you beautiful young ladies present."

He continued, "Brian and anyone else who need to go to the loo, let's do it
and then I think we should think about heading back to house.  It is
already 10:30 and the weirdoes are going to be arriving on the scene and I
don't think you need to see some of the shenanigans that go on."

Rafael and Brian went into the bathroom as did the three young ladies.
When Brian and Rafael came out, I decided that I needed to go and Shamus
went in with me.  He was standing beside and he looked at me as I was
relieving my bladder.  He started to laugh, "The Dads weren't exaggerating
when they described your sexual equipment.  I should be so lucky.  I wish
Rafael could see this."

I looked at Shamus, "Mr. O'Rourke, you are absolutely evil.  We can go out
and suggest that Rafael accompany Ben to the bathroom and he would see what
you are seeing.  That is the one area where Ben's and my bodies look
identical.  We probably need to arrange so that you can check Rafael out
too.  Or perhaps you have been doing some checking under the table.  I'll
tell you what, we'll give you plenty of time when we get back to the house
so you two can play games in private."

Shamus punched me on the arm, "For a piece of wood you have no right to
talk about someone having an evil mind.  For your information I have been
trying to find a way to make Rafael open up.  I think he might not be
interested in an strawberry blonde male with green eyes.  Have you noticed
how his black eyes seem to dance?  He obviously has been taking care of his
body."

We walked out of the loo as Shamus called it and Shamus suggested, "Ben,
you better go relieve yourself now.  The train ride home will have you
wishing you had, if you don't.  Rafael, you might want to accompany him so
he doesn't experience any of the riff raft that inhabit these places."

I sent Ben a message that said he should go to the bathroom.  He looked at
me funny but did as Shamus had suggested.

This is Ben.

Talk about weird, why was Grant telling me that Rafael should accompany me
to the bathroom?  I knew that he had something on his mind so I did as he
suggested and Rafael reluctantly followed me.  When I pulled out my penis
from its protective coverings, I realized that I really did need to relieve
my bladder.

Rafael was standing beside me and muttered ,"Oh Madre del alma!  Ben, that
instrument of yours could incapacitate any man or women that you ever
entered."

I suddenly realized why I was in this predicament and played the innocent
role, "Rafael, Grant and I are endowed the same in the sexual equipment
department?  Did you understand what I said?"

Rafael started to laugh, "Ben, I was educated in the United States.  I
understood that you said and Grant have big pricks.  I went to UCLA and
have a master's degree in social sciences."

I was floored by his answer, "Well, if you have a degree why are you
serving as a chauffeur?  Does Maria know about your background?"

Rafael blew my mind away, "A chauffeur is not always who he pretends to be.
No, Senorita Maria doesn't have any idea that I am not just a chauffeur and
please don't tell her."

I was becoming a little leery, "Rafael, why are you spending time with us.
Is your government thinking some of us are a threat for your country?"

"Quite the contrary Senor Ben.  The Ambassador and his wife are thrilled
that you are going to be a good friend to their daughter.  They just want
me to make sure that you are all safe while you are here.  I am so glad the
young people realized that the limo would only draw attention to us if I
had driven it tonight."

I caught Rafael by surprise, I grabbed him and gave him a kiss on the
mouth, "Thanks for being honest with me.  I won't say anything other than
to Grant."

Rafael looked at me as if I was weird, "I'll never understand you Yanks.
Let's get back to the others before Brian conjures up some more ideas in
his head and who knows what is going to come out of his mouth."

When Rafael and I exited the loo, water closet or bathroom, Brian went into
high gear. "Honestly, you two were gone so long that I thought my beard was
going to hanging down to my knees."

Rafael countered, "If your beard got that long senor, then we would know
that you are older than Methuselah.  Now we need to think about getting you
Yanks home.  You must to be tired from traveling all day."

We made our way to the underground and as we were standing waiting for our
train, Brian looked at Rafael and Shamus and asked, "You two are not what
you seem to be are you?"

The two being questioned didn't have time to answer because our train
pulled in.  The train wasn't crowded, but Shamus and Rafael still remained
standing so they could watch over the six of us.  I glanced at them several
times and it seemed to me as if their bodies were getting very intimate.

When we exited the train at the station that was closest to Uncle Rod and
Uncle Hank's house, we stopped at where Vicky lived.  Brian walked her to
the door and kissed her on the cheek.  We couldn't hear what they had said.

When we got to Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank's house, the lights were on so we
assumed they were home.  We were not prepared for the reception we were
going to receive.  Before we could even open the door James was standing
there glaring, "Where have you been?  Why is the limo just sitting out
front and why are you dressed in those ridiculous jeans?"

That was the last straw for me, "Jaime, back off.  We are fine and no one
and I repeat no one did anything that was wrong.  Just relax and let's go
see Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank if they are still up so we can say goodnight
to them before Maria, Inga and Rafael leave after he changes back into his
uniform."

James, (Jaime) led us into the sitting room and Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank
were having a snifter of brandy.  Uncle Rod looked at us and asked, "Well
young people, did you have a good time?  Would you care to explain why the
limousine was here and you weren't?"

We were all caught off guard when Inga, who was usually so quiet answered,
"Mr. Cox and Mr. Peters, we decide it would be more economical as far as
money and time if we took the underground to center of London night life.
I can assure that Shamus and Rafael did not leave us out of their sight.
Brian suggested that they change into clothes that a tourist might be seen
in and accompany us.  We had a blast.  We even encountered a transvestite
and some other weird characters, but no one came close to us."

That rattled Uncle Rod and Uncle Hank, but the rattling continued when
Maria continued, "Mr. Peters and Mr. Cox, my parents are having a reception
for Inga's parents at the embassy on Friday night.  They would appreciate
if you would attend.  We have already discussed this with Grant, Ben and
Brian, but they said they would defer the decision to you.  My parents need
to know as soon as possible so that they can have the proper arrangements
made."

Uncle Hank scowled, "We don't have any plans for Friday night, so it might
be fun for the Yanks to hob knob with some dignitaries."

Any more frivolities were interrupted by the return of Rafael and Shamus.
Rafael spoke for one of the rare times tonight, "Senoritas, I am ready to
escort you back to the embassy.  Gracias Senores for asking me to accompany
you tonight.  I had a muy bueno tiempo."

Rafael was totally caught off guard when the three of us hugged him and
thanked him accompanying us tonight.

As Maria and Inga and Rafael were leaving, Uncle Rod announced, "We'll be
leaving for Stonehenge at about 10:30 in the morning.  Anyone who wants to
go with us needs to be here by then.  We have already talked to Vicky's
parents and they are going to go with us."

Maria didn't miss a breath, "Inga and I will be here and Rafael can drive
the limo or whatever as long as Shamus can go with us.  Would you like us
to bring a picnic lunch to save time?"

Uncle Hank was a little hesitant, ""We'll take care of the food just be
here at 10:30."

Grant and I walked Maria and Inga to the limo and kissed them goodnight. I
looked at Rafael and he had this goofy look on his face.  What was that all
about?

When we walked into the house, Uncle Rod, Uncle Hank, Brian, Jaime and
Shamus were all sitting with strained looks on their faces.  Grant and I
looked at each other and we passed signals in the airways, `I guess we did
something wrong.  But what?'

Author's comments: If you would like to read more of this story and other
interesting stories you might like to visit www.tickiestories.us.

Editor's comments: Thus is another great chapter from a great author (Yes,
you are, Ed, don't try to deny it!)  I do wonder what evil stalks the
streets of London?  Only Hank and Rod seem to know.  What is the story
about Hank and Rod being fathers to Jaime and Shamus?  Will anything
develop between Shamus and Rafael?  I'll just have to wait for the next
chapter!