Hi Readers,
Nifty does an amazing job bringing my story and thousands of others to life for free. To help support this great LGBTIQA+ platform please consider making a donation at https://donate.nifty.org/
Big or small. Every little penny helps.
Thanks and enjoy the next 2 chapters. Sorry for the delay!
Gavin xx
Chapter 149
New York, New York. A city for new love. To explore and belong be together as one. Whilst my protection detail, Coby, still followed us everywhere, Michael was my protector in many different ways. He had carried me through my grief, held me when I cried, but watched out for me in a way not many could. Coby was there to be my protection from evil, and when we walked 3 abreast, I felt like a midget between these two.
After we'd showered, we ate at the local deli, more than we needed and then ventured out shopping to get some more clothes. For Michael this was new. Whilst he was always in gear as a protection detail, he was now transforming in to someone that would be dressed as my partner. This was a new thing for him, as we stood in the Menswear dept at Bergdorf's I watched this clumsy giant try on shirt after shirt, trouser after trouser.
"Bub, you realise a time will come when you will be snapped by the paparazzi and hounded by them?"
"Yeah, I have thought about that, and to be honest, I am not sure how I will feel. I am a little scared"
"Well, let's just take it easy for a few weeks or a month before word gets out. That way we can control it a bit more"
"Thanks. I appreciate that. I am sure you won't leave me stranded in front of those fuckers"
"Never"
Moving on to Louis Vuitton I purchased him a few pieces of luggage and a back pack for University.
"You will need these to travel. A good duffel, a suitcase for short trips. The team will pack them. You need to understand that things are slightly different now. Everything you and the team used to do for me, will be doing those things for you as well."
"I can pack my own jocks!" Michael exclaimed
"I know you can, but you won't always have time, and if we are moving between countries or cities, sometimes the team will have everything on the plane meeting us. Things are different. You told me you wanted this to work. You need to understand in many ways, your previous life and way you did things have now gone. You will have a shadow on you too. Unfortunately I don't set the rules, James does, and we have to follow them"
Reaching in I kissed him, and put my head on his chest. You will be fine bub. It's going to fine.
That night we had reservations at Manhatta on Liberty Street for dinner with Maggie & Beth. It was important that I started to get know Beth better as she appeared to not be going anywhere. Whilst I knew Maggie was head over heel in love, I wanted to see if it was as reciprocal as I'd hoped.
60 floors up taking in the view of Manhattan, it was a superb place for a quiet dinner. I was actually taken back by it all, and made a note to thank Michelle for the last minute booking she managed to achieve.
We ate, we talked, we laughed and I was so happy to see how Michael interacted in the conversation. There were times when I reached out and held his hand, there were times I looked in to his eyes and saw someone I had never seen before. A softer loving person who looked relaxed and confident. His blond hair and blue eyes looked great with his navy sweater and slacks he wore. This was after our conversation before I left.
"Why can't I just wear jeans. They are more comfortable"
"Michael, this is not a jeans restaurant"
"This fucking sweater is making me itchy"
"Deal with it. You look amazing"
"Fucking new shoes are tight"
"Gucci loafers will soften and be fine after a few wears. Now shut up and kiss me"
"Ok. Fine. One blister and we are over" He laughed after kissing me.
I knew we had a long path ahead of us in getting Michael looking like the partner of one of the world's richest men, but I was confident we would get there. I never wanted to change the inside of him, just a slight adjustment to the outside was all that was needed.
As the 4 of us drove back to the town house our night came to an end, and I was convinced Beth was not in it for any other reason than love. I asked if we could have dinner with her parents before I left town, and whilst at first was hesitant it was based on the fact she was from a single parent family, and her mother couldn't afford anything fancy.
"Beth, that is fine. I always haven't had all this. How about a dinner at home, a few laughs, and a good chat"
"Ok, I think she would like that."
With that Michael and I made our way upstairs and into our suite.
Turning to face him I reached out and pulled him closer. I wanted him. I wanted him now. I wanted him to take me and make me feel loved. I wanted him in me.
As we kissed and stripped down, I could tell by feeling his rock hard member that Michael was wanting the same thing, and as we laid on the bed, his body pressing on mine, I knew it wouldn't be a leisurely case of love making, but a more animalistic approach of him taking me, and fucking me with force as means to an end. I was ok with this.
Flipping us over, he had me on top, and as we kissed he reached over and grabbed the lube off the night stand. Taking a fair gob, he lathered my hole sinking one, then two fingers into me, leaving me open and vulnerable to his meat which was now glistening in the glow of the lamp.
Slowly he moved me up till I was positioned directly on top of his massive cock, and then, without warning, he slid his monster gland in to my will hole, connecting us as one. Feeling him fill me up totally, it was not long before my head had arched back and I was riding him like the toughest bull at the rodeo. This pumping and wriggling had cause my own cock to switch into overdirve, and without notice squirt my hot load all over Michaels chest and face. Leaning down to taste my seed, I kissed him sharing the nectar between us as he continued to pound me deep, with a take no prisoners attitude. As much as he was sending me in to a sense of nirvana, I could feel the pain this was also inflicting, and couldn't decide whether to pull off, or let him continue. He made this decision for me as he grabbed my hips, pulled down and unleashed a torrent of hot cum deep in my arse and as he looked at me in the eye, and for the first time ever, he uttered those words. "I love you Grant" not dad or daddy, but he used my name. I knew it had meaning and connection, and as scared as I was, I placed my head on his chest and said the same words. "I love you, Michael"
Our post coital bliss consisted of my head on his chest, with him holding me tight. His nipple, right at my eye line, was a deep brown, with a layer of semen coating it. I reached up and licked it before kissing him, as he slowly accepted my tongue in to his mouth. We did this for a while before falling in to a deep sleep.
Chapter 150
"Dad, dad. Wake up!" Maggie screamed as she barged in to my room early the following morning
Michael being the trained protector he is, dived out of bed with his erection on full display for the world.
"Stand down cowboy" Maggie said as Michael almost died of embarrassment.
"What's wrong Sweetheart" I said trying to focus on everything.
Throwing down the Post, the Times, The Washington Post, the WSJ, the front pages were all pics of Michael and I kissing in Louis Vuitton, holding hands in Manhatta, and pics of Michael at Jacksons funeral.
The Washington Post lead with "The husband is not even cold yet: Bodyguard makes a play"
The Times ran with "The Bodyguard and the Billionaire"
The WSJ took a more business angle "Will his billons hide his playboy"
Whilst it was the New York Post that hurt Michael the most "From former SEAL, to Billionaires playboy. How Michael Carter discovered his families murder, to now life in the fast lane"
"Bub, calm down. We will get through this." I could tell Michael was ready to snap a fuse and explode at any moment. As we went through the Online news, it was just as bad, if not worse as the tabloids got hold of it and basically just lied to get clicks.
"Fuck those arseholes!" Michael said as he grabbed some sweats and through them on. Before I could say anything more, he was out the door and heading down stairs. As I got to the top of the stairs his bulking frame was out the door and down the stoop as he bowled over a half a dozen or so media camped on the foot path.
"Fuck, today is not going to be a good day" I said out loud to no one in particular.
Knowing I couldn't stop him in these moods, I returned and took a quick shower before jumping on the phones. First call Sam. "I need a media strategy to deal with the shit"
"What shit?"
"Have you not read the papers, seen online?"
"I'll have a look now.........Fuck" was all he said as he came across the article after article
"Are you both OK?"
"I'm fine. Michael just went postal and took out a few media type as he stormed out"
"Give me a few and I will come back to you."
"Thanks Sammy. I need some help"
"Got your back boss"
I poured myself a coffee and sat in the Kitchen as staff tiptoed around me not wanting to say a word. Scrolling through the articles I was surprised with some of the shit I had come across. It wasn't good. Attack me all you want, but Jesus Christ, bringing up Michaels family situation and everything he went through was just ripping in to him for no reason.
As I looked over on the bench, I noticed Michael's phone and wallet sitting on the bench, meaning he had gone out alone, with nothing. Whilst I wasn't concerned yet, I was alarmed that they were here, as he knew the rules. All of my team, all of my people needed a phone so they were traceable in the event of an emergency. Michael was in NYC, alone, upset & uncontactable.
"Chris, Michael's phone and wallet is here. Should I be worried?"
"Not yet. He's a big boy. Let him cool off and then if we don't hear from him in the next few hours, we can send out a search party"
I had to trust Chris' judgement on this. This was his job, and he also knew Michael better than me. The alarm bells weren't ringing in Chris' head so I needed to switch them off in mine.
Peeking out the curtains I could see that things hadn't calmed down. My phone was ringing like a hot line, and if I didn't know the number, I wasn't answering the call. Regardless. Sam managed to get through to me and he was sending the head Media & Communications from our American business over to help me work through a push back. I couldn't remember a time since I had entered the spotlight where the media were so frenzied. I had always been so open with them, had given them the time and respect, and now I was being attacked by tabloid journalism on my own doorstep. The fact that Michael had bowled over a group of them didn't really help, but in retrospect, having now read some of the stories, I would have done the same.
Whilst the media guy and I sat in the library working out a strategy, the all-familiar pattern of being trapped in the Town house returned to me from days gone past. A reminder to Jackson and Maggies kidnapping which felt so long ago, those memories came flooding back to me as we sat here trying to work out if we speak, if stay silent and if we do speak, what do we stay. I was a new Billionaire. A new monied individual who the world didn't really know much about. I wasn't a Gates or a Buffett. I wasn't a Bezos or Musk. The Zuckerbergs of this world were written about daily, yet here I was, the front page of just about every paper, online rag and gossip column being attacked for kissing a guy I was in love with.
Michael didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve to be dragged in to this mess. I needed to find him, I needed to make sure he was ok. My alarm bells were now firmly going off in my head.
"Chris, Chris. I need you to find him. I am not sure how you do what you do, but I need him found and made sure he is ok."
"OK, I have already started, knowing you would ask. Leave it him me" he said as he approached me and placed his hand on my shoulder.
"He's my best mate. I want him home just as much"
With that he left me alone as Michelle came bounding in looking very pregnant.
"Grant, here, some herbal tea. Drink up, it will help you relax" she insisted.
As she sat down next to me, she placed a familiar hand on my lap. Chris appeared and kissed her forehead "OK you two. Take care of each other. I'll be back soon"
"Where you going?" I asked
"Looking for a 6'6" blond guy who's probably destroying anything in his path"
"Ok, take care please"
As we my media guy started to write a release, I was getting frustrated. He was great, but the essence of what I wanted to say and what he was writing was not being conveyed and it was sounding too business like, rather than reflecting the personal nature of the situation.
As Michelle stood up to take my cup away, I noticed a wet patch where she was sitting on the sofa.
"Um, Michelle, you seem to have a slight problem" I said knowing exactly what the cause was.
"Oh fuck. I am only 7 months. It can't be."
"When you told me, you said it was 5 months, that was 3 weeks ago. You're 6months at best. When did your Dr say you were due?"
"Well she was having problems getting an accuracy read, so we just kind of worked it out from when we stopped using condoms"
Yelling out to anyone who would listen, I was trying to get someone to call Chris. Maggie was still at home, due to activity outside, and she came bounding down the stairs to see what the latest fuss in the house was today.
"Sweetheart, call Chris, tell him to get his arse home. NOW" I yelled as I took Michelle's hand and guided her to the elevator.
"Let's go lie down and get you rested. I know you aren't having contractions, but I want you comfortable for when they start"
"I'm fine" she said as we walked towards the elevator door. And as I opened the door, crunch time came
"JESUS FUCKING CHRIST MOTHER FUCKER" came Michelle's response to her first contraction.
"Oh, doing fine ha"
"Grant, this shit isn't normal. I have been in maternity wards and delivery suites, that was not normal."
"Did you want me to call ambulance?"
"Yeah, Not sure we will have time"
"Fuck ok." I thought before making my plan
"Coby, get your arse in here now." I yelled as the big brut made his way in to the foyer.
"Bring the Range Rover around front. Michelle can't make it to the carriage house, we need to get her to Sinai Hospital ASAP. I'll ring the Cohen Centre and let them know we are on our way."
"There's no way I can safely bring the car around and get Michelle in. I have a plan" he said as he swept her up in to his arms and carried her through the town house, across the rear courtyard, in to the carriage house and deposited her safely in the back of the Range Rover. Chasing behind them, I jumped in and held her hand. Maggie joined us in the front. "I need to get out. I am going crazy" She said as way of justifying her joining us.
As Michelle moaned and groaned I was getting the shits that I could not get through to Chris. Eventually his phone range. He answered on the first ring. "Boss, no sign yet, but I am looking still"
"Put it on hold big fella, you're about to become a dad. I have been trying for ages, but your service was out. Meet us at Mount Sinai Hospital, Cohen Centre, we are 5 mins out"
"Oh fuck ok. I am literally not even a block away. I will wait at the entrance." He said
Flying through downtown NYC with a pregnant woman screaming was not on my bingo card, but yet, as always, when it rains it pours. Michelle was now screaming her lungs out and as we pulled up at traffic lights I could of sworn people thought a murder was taking place. We were also being tailed by at least 3 journalists and my patience was wearing incredibly thin.
Pulling up outside the hospital, Coby told us to stay put as he ran in to get some assistance. They were expecting us and came flying out with a wheelchair as an overly protective father to be made his appearance.
"Get your fucking camera's away from me or I will smash the shit out of you" Chris stormed in a threatening manner that made them back off.
"This has nothing to do with Mr Von Garbner and everything to do with me. So help me god, one picture hits a publication and I will haunt you for the rest of your life"
This was all that was needed as they packed and fled as Chris made a beeline for them. This gave me perfect cover to get out and bolt in door before being seen.
Chris and Coby lifted Michelle out of the car and into the chair as the orderly pushed her inside.
Maggie held her hand all the way in to the delivery suite where Chris decided to pace, jacket off, gun exposed.
"Sorry sir, but our staff are feeling uncomfortable, could we ask you to remove the gun" The Nurse asked politely of Chris.
"Oh shit, sorry, occupational hazard" Chris laughed as he removed his holster.
I wanted to ask about Michael, and if he had any leads or anything. But I knew now wasn't the time. Making myself scares I left the room to dial James back in Australia to fill him in and get his take.
"I'm worried. I am not sure what to do" I said finishing up after telling him everything.
"Look, realistically, there is nothing you can but wait it out. He knows you love him. He knows you care, but he's hurting. You need to remember that he bottled it all up for almost a decade. The media have just ripped the band aid of the scab. The flesh wound is exposed. I tell you what. If he's not back on 24hrs, I'm on the next plane."
"OK, thanks. And you may want to allocate an guy to the team. Michelle is in labour"
"What the fuck. Already?"
"Long story, but yes. But I will say, she's a better nurse than patient" I added with a laugh before disconnecting the call.
As we waiting in the hospital, the TV showed some really distasteful archival footage from the investigation in to Michael's family murder, than pictures of us kissing. It really was in poor taste, and I was glad he wasn't here to see it. The TV was on TMZ and the shit they were spewing out at 100mph was leaving me feeling very angry and about ready to scream.
"Someone turn this shit off" I yelled.
"Sorry sir, let me get a remote" The nurse at the station said.
"Thank you I replied, gaining some composure.
"No one should have to put up with that. Sorry it was on. Can I get you something? How about you come with me and wait in our VIP lounge. It's the least I can do"
"Thank you. I'll be right here. But I would like you to take my details and have all charges for Michelle's stay sent through to this email, and my assistant will take care of payment. Do not let either of the parents get a copy of the bill" I instructed.
"Certainly Sir" she said as she looked at the card. "Shit, you're him. Shit, no wonder you were upset."
"It's ok. It has been a long day."
"I bet it has. At least let me go to the VIP Lounge and get you a real coffee. None of this machine shit for you"
I laughed as she walked off relaxing back into the hard plastic moulded seats as Coby appeared.
"Hey bud," I said as I offered him a seat. He was new on my team, and I was still feeling my way with him and building a relationship. A young Australian lad, 29, trained with the Australian Federal Police & Border Force, and had moved into private work. He was a relaxed laid back type, but I had a feeling he would be a great addition to the team.
"I need you to do some work. I need you to see who we know that can give us a lead as to where Michael maybe. He and Chris are like brothers. Both have been very good to me since day 1. They would both appreciate anything you can do. Maybe engage the local PD? I don't know. I just want my family back to together safe. You will learn I am just a big softy at heart"
"When I interviewed for this role, I had no idea who you were. The agency didn't say. They just said some high-net-worth dude. They didn't say if you were Australian, American, nothing. Then I met James and I was convinced it was for the Royal Family. I was pretty psyched. Then when they were doing background checks and further interviews, I was asked my views on LGBTIQA folks. That's when I kinda guessed it was you. That excited me even more."
"Oh why? Are you gay? I don't care if you are"
"Haha no. But I grew up around the corner from you guys in Darlinghurst. I went to the same school as your daughters, although I was a few years above Jules. I think my kid sister knows Jules. You have really become someone from the old hood I admire and aspire to be like. So whatever you need, I am here."
"That's very kind of you Coby. Thank you" I said slightly blushing.
"Well, let me go find this man of yours!"
"Please keep me posted" I said as he stood to leave.
I sat more or less twiddling my thumbs for what seemed like an eternity. Maggie was in with Chris and Michelle and I was alone in my thoughts. Where was he' Why hasn't he called' `is he ok' all these things were going through my mind when Chris burst out in to the waiting room.
"Boss, Boss. He's here." Thinking he meant Michael, I jumped up and ran to him only to go in to the room to see a beautiful healthy boy with a massive set of lungs.
Trying to hide my disappointment I hugged Chris then leant down to kiss Michelle.
"He's beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous" I said stating the obvious. "You both should be very proud." I added.
"Jax Christopher Snelling"
As soon as Chris said his name, I teared up uncontrollably. They day was taking its toll and I was becoming a mess.
Maggie came over to me and wrapped me in her arms. "It's ok dad, we will find him. He's taking a break. He will be back. Remember how many times I freaked out over the media shit"
"Yeah. I know. I am just getting emotional in my old age."
"Bullshit dad, you have always been emotional" she said as Chris and Michelle laughed along.
"All right. Michelle needs a rest, Jax has to have some tests, and I need a shower, so how about we head home, I'll get changed and then head back in"
"Sounds good in theory but I gave Coby the car"
"Of shit. This will be fun. Taxi it is then"
Saying goodbye to Michelle and Jax we headed down to the lobby whilst Chris grabbed a taxi there seemed to be a few media hanging around the entry of the hospital not taking no for an answer. As the taxi pulled up we walked out headed down and hopped in to the waiting the car as 3-4 photographers sent their flashes in to overdrive. It took us about 15 mins before we pulled up outside the townhouse where the media presence had not died down.
"Show time kiddies. Don't speak, don't talk, don't smile. Just walk" I said to them as Chris opened my door.
The yelling and screaming and the flashes were crazy. I wasn't the first guy to have a relationship, but you would think it was. Slamming the door behind us I let out a huge sigh. "Well, that was fun" I said as they both laughed.
I needed to call Coby and find out what he was up to. It had been a solid 8hrs with out any contact from Michael, and I will admit to being concerned. Yes I knew he was hurt, yes I knew he was upset, yes I knew he was angry, but I was the one person I thought he could trust to protect him. I guess now I was wrong. His survival instincts had kicked in, and I just had to wait it out.
"Chris, before you rush off, can I have a quick word" I asked as Chris bounded down the stairs with a bag.
"Should I be worried yet?"
"I want to say no, but it's been almost 9hrs. It's unlike him"
"I know. I am worried"
"Let me drop this at the hospital and I will be straight back"
"No no, it's your time to be with Michelle. Enjoy it"
"She's only going to sleep. I will be back soon" he finished before looking at me
Reaching in, he hugged me. It was the first time Chris had shown an emotional side.
"Boss, he loves you. That much I know. Let him figure himself out"
"Thanks" I said as I patted his back. "You're a good man"
Left to my own devices I had a lot to think through. I had the media camped on my footpath, Michael was missing, I hadn't finished my press release, my security were nowhere to be seen and Maggie had just gone out to catch up with Beth. I had not been left alone like this in a long time. I always had someone near me to watch/lookover/care for me. Now I was alone.
I hadn't realised how much I relied on everyone around me to occupy me. There was always a person within striking distance to fetch me whatever I wanted, to do whatever I asked, to tend my every need. I poured myself a vodka and sat on the couch. Sitting there I had so many thinks flashing through my mind. From the day our girls were born, the day I met Jackson our wedding, our highs and lows, and our lovemaking. His death and the pain I suffered was a part of those memories flashing by. It was like someone had put together a reel of the highs and lows of my life and I couldn't push pause or stop.
As I sat there with my eyes closed, the memories were bringing tears to my eyes. I desperately missed Jackson. He was my everything. The pain was insurmountable. But then the more recent memories of Michael, spooning me, holding me, touching me, pushed me forward to think about the now. The future. It was where I needed to be. I was allowed to reminisce about the past, but I had to live in the now, the future. I would always have my memories of Jackson, I would never forget him, but now a new love was hurt and missing. Time to switch in to action.
Walking towards the front door I knew what I had to do. As soon as I swung the door open, I knew exactly who I was after. Seeing him, I purposely walked up to him in front of all the media, grabbed him by the arm and pulled him inside.
"Grant Von Garbner, how are you?" I asked off the bat.
"Jake Stone, CBS, good thanks"
"I know who you are, but this is what we are about to do. If my security detail knew I had just let you in the house, they would probably rip both you and I new arseholes, but I need your help, about as much as you need an inclusive."
"Yes sir." The eager young reporter said.
"Ever done a sit down before?" I asked
"Nope, I normally just do the ambulance chasing around the city, but I am pretty sure I know how to do it"
"Great, here is what we are going to do. I want you to phone your crew and get them to drive to the rear of the property to a building that looks like this. Once they appear on the CCTV the Garage will open and they are to drive in. Got it"
"Yes sir!" his enthusiasm rising.
As he made the call, I thought to myself, have I really lost the plot now? Call the media into my inner sanctum. I swear if Michael was here he would kick my arse into next week. As they unpacked and came inside I made clear they were only allowed in to the family room. It was more than big enough, and to me it was the heart of this house. I pulled Jake aside to prep him.
"You're not chasing ambulances anymore Junior. I'm giving you a seat at the grown-up table. Don't rush questions, think of it as a conversation. I need you to get your News Director on the line for me, before we start though. I have a favour I need in return"
"Oh, OK, I will call him now"
I don't think his News Director believed the rookie reporter at first until I got on the phone.
"I need a favour I started. I can walk out the door and grab any reporter I want, but I grabbed yours. I need a live broadcast. Don't worry, I won't let the young lad fail, but I need some assistance finding someone."
As the News Director thought about it, he knew he was backed in a corner. This was a huge exclusive, and he knew I was right, I could walk out the front door and make the same demand of anyone and they would say yes in a heartbeat.
"Sure, give me 5mins to set up the feed, but I need to cover myself, there will be a 20sec delay in broadcast. I have been burnt before."
"Done. We will be waiting." I said as I hung up the phone.
"Jake, come here a minute" I said as he walked nearer. "Drink this!" I instructed giving him a need a vodka.
"Fuck, what was that?"
"Neat vodka, I needed the edge taken off you. Now, come with me." I grabbed his arm and took him upstairs.
"You are dressed as if it is 1987. I know you don't front the camera much, just yell out questions, we have 5 mins to get you looking camera presentable. So drop your kit and I will pull some clothes."
Walking in to the giant walk in that was Jacksons was painful at first. I could smell him, feel him, touch him as I could smell his scent of Chanel Bleu in his clothes. He had worn it all his life, and it was a vivid memory I still could relive. Grabbing a pair of slacks, blue oxford shirt and blazer I returned to the bedroom to find the most chiselled 6 pack I had seen in years, leading down to a pair of tighty whities with the darkest, most luscious snail trail against a tanned torso. His near naked beauty almost made me stutter my words as I handed him the clothes.
"Whack these on. We don't have time. They should fit. Don't worry about shoes, just meet we down stairs when you are done." I said as left my suite.
Whilst is camera man was setting up I reached out to Coby with a text.
"Any word?"
"Nothing, I am down by the docks" came his response.
Jakes appearance in the doorway reminded me in many ways of a younger Jackson. "why did I pick him" I thought to myself as walked closer.
"Ok, we are just about ready, our slot is in 4 minutes. Take seats everyone" The Camera man instructed.
As the countdown began my heart started to pound, and I could see my new journalist friend starting to bead sweat. "Fuck, am I doing the right thing" I said aloud to who ever was listening.
"3...2...1...." And we were live to air
"I am sitting here with renown Billionaire, philanthropist, business man, Grant Von Garbner, as you may have seen over recent days the speculation around his personal life has seen a media frenzy. He asked us to a sit down interview. Mr Von Garbner, thank you. How are you today"
The moment the camera panned on me I froze for a split second as my head ran circles before coming back to the topic.
"I have had better days. First up, what I choose to do in my personal life is a matter for me, my daughters, our family & those I care about. The media do not set the agenda of my life, I do."
"Ok. I wasn't expecting that response" Jake said with a slight laugh.
"No Jake, your fine. I just find it pathetic that with I am judged about who I date. It is no ones business." I was feeling a sense of anger rise in my throat.
"And I will add, that as a result of some, or more particular one, headline, my partner has left the house this morning in a state of distress, and we are currently trying to locate him. He didn't deserve any of your petty bullshit, but you went and hit a low that has painful consequences for him."
Jake was not sure how to or what to say as I continued my diatribe.
"I mean seriously, who stoops so low to equate the murder of his family, to dating me. You are basically pond scum, tabloid journalism driven by scum like Murdoch. A man driven by tabloids, zero integrity, international embarrassment. But yes, here we are."
"So you are saying Michael, your partner is missing?"
"At this stage I am saying he cannot be located. I have people looking for him and I have asked for my good friends at NYPD & FBI to assist if need be."
"So this a genuine issue?"
"Yes Jake, I don't need to make things up. The media create consequences for others. Not only in this country, but in most, their lies cause so much harm and damage and they need to be held to account."
"How can we help. What can we do?"
"You can help me find my partner." I said as I pulled out my phone.
Showing them a picture of him I gave a description "6'6", blond, blue eyes, very broad muscular build, slim waste, and a giant dimple in his right cheek" I added with a smile, rethinking his face in bed this morning. "He was last seen in some grey sweat pants, a UNSW hoody and runners."
"Do you have any idea where he is?"
"New York is a big city for hurt man. He could be anywhere, so any assistance would be great."
"Can I ask you a final question, one that our viewers would want me to ask?"
"Yes, of course"
"Is this love, or is it a rebound?"
The question caught me off guard. And, for a journalist, it was a fair question considering I had just attacked his profession. There were several ways I could address this, and the easiest way was head on.
"It is love. Michael has been with us since day one. Whilst Jackson was alive, we enjoyed a consensual sexual relationship with Michael. To those close to us, this is no secret. When I lost Jackson, it was Michael who held me every night whilst I cried. It was Michael who listened to me vent. Our bond became stronger than ever before. Michael has not been our personal protection officer for some time. He has been family."
"So, the 3 of you had sex"
"There is more to a relationship than sex, Jake, but yes, we had sex. Lots of GAY sex" I added knowing the tabloids would be having a field day
"Ok then, so there we have it folks. You have heard it from the source. Let's all find Michael, and if you are in New York and you happen to see him, please call the number on the bottom of your screen"
As the interview ended, I was sure that every Nordic god in NYC would be getting phoned in to NYPD as a possible sighting. At least it was something. It was all I had.
Leaving the room as the crew packed up, I rang James back in Sydney who was doing all he could. "Am I still supposed to just wait?"
"We have nothing. You need to under stand boss, that he is trained to disappear. Let him lick his wounds and surface when he's ready."
"OK OK I still have Coby out cowering the streets though."
"Fine. I am keeping him close"
"That's fine. I just want him back safe, and soon" I said ending the call.
I walked up to my suite and laid on the bed. I had nothing. I was spent. My life was a fucking rollercoaster. Kidnappings, attempts on our lives, Jacksons death, Antisemitic family history. Everything I never signed up for had happened. I was questioning myself. My abilities to cope, my life. I let out a big sigh and then the tears started to stream down my face. There was no sound, just the stinging heat of build-up. As Cath once said to me, "It is ok to grieve for the loss. Whether Jackson, or whatever. It takes time to heal and you will know when it happens." I was not sure if this was it, but after an hour of these silent tears of pain, I fell asleep. A deep sleep I hadn't experienced in a long time. I was at peace.
I was awoken some time later by my phone on my night stand. It was Chris calling from the hospital.
"Boss, why aren't you answering your phone!" he yelled down the line.
"What? Ha? I was asleep. What time is it?"
"After 10, I've been calling for 30mins. Michaels here. He's in a bad space. You need to get your arse here"
"Fuck Ok. I'll be there ASAP" I said jumping out of bed and throwing my shoes on." As dishevelled as I was, I didn't give a rats arse. I needed to see my boy. I needed to make sure he was ok.
Yelling out to find someone to drive me, I came to the startling realisation I was alone. Out the front there was a media scrum, so that was out, so as I ran in to the kitchen I found the keys to the Range Rover in the garage.
"Well, I have never driven in New York before, but I guess it's time" I said to no one in particular.
Jumping in to the front of the vehicle, still sleepy, it took me a moment to realise that I was on the wrong side with the steering wheel on the left, not the right. "Shit, this isn't a good start" Slowly backing out of the coach house in to the rear lane, I was pleased to see no one hanging around. Moving the gear shift in to D I slowly started to move and as I turned on to the main street I was comfortable that I could do this. As I pulled up at the second set of lights, Coby came running up to the vehicle.
"Boss, WTF are you doing? Get out, where are you going?"
"Chris just rang, Michael is at the hospital"
"Why didn't you call me?"
"I had no idea where you were."
"Chris rang me. I was heading back to the house to get you. You shouldn't be fucking driving alone. Now scoot. I will drive"
I wasn't about to argue, but as Coby took control, I felt a sense of safety sweep across me. Everything was going to be ok. For an Australian who'd not spent much time in America, his driving skills were exceptional.
"Where did you learn to drive like this?"
"I drove C1 for a period of time for the Prime Minister. You have to have all sorts of training to drive that beast."
C1 was the Prime Ministers official car in Australia. A highly modified bullet proof BMW 760iL. It's tyres and glass were also of the same bullet proof standard. Driving a Range Rover off the production line must have felt like a sports car in comparison.
Swinging around corners at speed, dodging pedestrians, ducking in and out between cars, I spent the entire trip more worried about my life than Michaels. Having pulled up outside the ED I released my grip off the hand rail above the door, to only have the car door ripped open by Michael.
"He's not injured physically. He's here because he was found in a lane way crying not making sense. I saw him on a gurney when they bought him in, but he hasn't spoken to me. It was like he couldn't speak. The have him in a protected room, more for his safety than others. He's really fucked up boss, and for the first time ever, I am worried."
"Leave it with me. Take me to the Dr's. I will see what I can do"
Speaking with the doctors it was fast becoming apparent that Michael was dealing with previously untreated trauma around the death of his family. They believe that it might have been triggered by the article in this mornings paper. They were waiting on a psych evaluation to get a proper understanding, but in the interim they wanted him to stay.
Approaching the room with the Doctor, the door opened and there he was. Foetal position mumbling gibberish. My heart broke. I felt like I had done this to him. I had failed him. Slowly taking his hand I held it mine as he laid their zoned out from the world. I could only think of James words that he'd be back when he was ready. I guess this was him repairing himself.
"Baby, I am here. It's all going to be alright. I promise you. I love you" I just kept repeating like I had fallen in to the same pattern of gibberish that had taken Michael. My tears started to flow as I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder.
"Maggie, what are you doing here?"
"Chris rang Sally. Did you think I was gonna desert my dad?"
I stood and hugged her as I continued to be a mess.
"You really do love him don't you."
"I do. He will never replace dada, but yes, I love him"
"And that's ok. You know we love you, and him. He is what makes you happy. Let's just get him better. I miss his banter" she smiled. The first smile I had seen all day.
The day had been long.