AN ORPHAN By Lee Mariner
October 2002
DISCLAIMER: This story is a gay fantasy depicting homosexual acts between young men. All characters are fictional and in no way related to any persons living or deceased. Any perceived similarity is purely coincidental. IF YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO BE READING THIS STORY OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERIAL, PLEASE LEAVE.
PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE IN UNPROTECTED SEX, IT CAN LEAD TO A LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCE.
This work is copyrighted by the author and may not be reproduced in any form without the specific written consent of the author. It is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the provisions of their submission guidelines but it may not be copied or archived on any other site without the written consent of the author.
Copyright: October 2002 - Author: Lee Mariner - All Rights are Reserved.
Mariner23502@hotmail.com
Chapter #24
Devon drove and Robert sat in the front seat. Stu and I rode in the back but I scooted down in the seat and closed my eyes trying to clear my head of the turmoil of the staff meeting.
A couple of times I caught myself wishing it was the day before Stu and I met on board the freighter but if it was, I wouldn't have met him. Then I thought about what I might be able to do when all of the legal mechanizations and complications were finished, things that I still hadn't talked with Stu or Robert about.
I dozed off and on a little my mind racing in between snatches of sleep when Stu moved closer putting his arm around my shoulders whispering quietly.
"You know we don't have to go too the farm today Clyde. We could just take the rest of the day off and go later."
"You don't know how tempting that is Stu but there is so much to be done yet. We've got to find out what is on that farm and close the office Dickson set up for West Point Associates. There is still the ranch out in the western part of the state to be seen and I have no idea what we are going to do with that. The inventory that Dickson submitted has been so jerry rigged, I know we are going to have to have a complete re-inventory done. There is a hell of a lot of money and property involved and none of us are really sure just how much and where it's all at."
"Clyde's right Stu." Robert said turning around in his seat and facing us. "Once we get Judge Doumar's ruling that will conclude the recognition of his being the legal heir too Mr. Samuel Hampton's estate. He is also right about there being a lot of money and property and I'm not really going to guess how much. Where that is concerned, I have already called Ingles-Summers & Simpson in Omaha. They will start another inventory and assessment of the estate on Monday. The only thing we can do about the ranch is go there and see what it is other then being damn big."
"Why don't we wait until the new inventory is done Rob before we go there? It seems to me that we should finish one thing at a time." Stu said looking at Clyde questioningly. "That's a good point Stu but I still want to check out the farm, we own that since Dickson transferred ownership outright. Isn't that right Rob?"
"As it stands right now, it is. Dickson screwed things up a little but it will all work out in court tomorrow. It might be to our advantage if we do visit the farm and see just what is there. From what I have learned about Clyde's uncles holding in the western part of the state, it is about a 6-hour drive and while part of his estate it is listed under a separate holding company. The farm and the ranch were listed together under that company but Dickson re-did everything after he set up West Point Associates and separated the farm and the ranch into separate land holding companies. We will do individual title searches on all land holdings after things are finished before Judge Doumar. From what I have learned there is only the farm and the ranch in physical property, the rest is stocks, bonds, investments, etc. Mr. Hampton was a pretty shrewd businessman and well diversified."
"It's kind of ironic isn't it." I said a little sourly. "He didn't do a damn thing for my dad and his family when he was living. Wonder if he is turning over in his grave? Maybe I should find out where he is buried and thank him."
"That's easy enough Clyde, the Bureau of Vital Statistics will have the information if your serious."
"Maybe we both should visit him Stu, we probably wouldn't have met if it wasn't for him." I said pulling Stu a little closer.
"It's called Kismet Clyde." Stu whispered kissing my cheek.
Devon parked the SUV on the side of the 77 Diner and when we walked in, Gerry spotted us.
"Hi Clyde, Stewart. Devon, haven't seen you in ages, still at the Branston?"
"Still there Gerry, I thought you might own this place by now. This is Robert Ricksford, Stewarts brother."
"Hi Robert, nice meeting you but Dev didn't really have to introduce you, I can see the similarity."
"Thanks for the compliment Gerry, people tell us that. Devon mentioned he knew you before we drove up."
"All good I hope. Are you on your way too the farm?" Gerry asked directing us to a large booth in the back of the diner.
"What makes you ask that Gerry, something we should know?" I asked.
"Maybe Clyde, but I'm not sure if it means anything. One of the cleaning maids told us they had put up new signs on the road, Private Property - Keep Out."
"That's unusual?" Robert asked.
"Seems like it from what I've been told, there never were signs before. Another thing, Kyle is always in here at least once a week on his way back from Lincoln but he hasn't been in this week. I'm kind of glad he hasn't though; I get tired of him hitting on me, pestering me to do another video. "
"When did that bother you Gerry?" Devon snickered.
"Depends on who is doing the hitting but not for what he wanted Dev, twice was enough. Marx liked getting guys from the university that needed money. Once they made a video he had them where he wanted. None of them could say anything for fear of being booted out of school. If he had suckered Cody and Adam into doing it, he would have made a fortune as good looking as those two are. If you like porn, go for it but it's not my bag. Are you having lunch or just drinks?"
"Lunch Gerry." Everyone said almost together.
Gerry didn't have much time for talking after our lunch was delivered but he did tell us he would be interested in working at the Branston when we were ready. He was a good looking young man but I was more impressed with the manner in which he conducted himself, self-assured, confident and his gaze didn't waver when he spoke.
Back in the SUV, Devon was on the highway before anyone said anything. Stewart spoke first.
"I like Gerry Dev. He seems like a pretty straight shooter."
"He is. We've known each other since we were in diapers. We both learned we were gay together. I knew about the two times he went too the farm but I didn't think it was my place to say anything. He told me about it when we were at the Panic one night. I hope you understand why I didn't mention it?"
"You wouldn't be much of a friend if you blabbed that around Dev." Robert said squeezing Devon's shoulder. Stu looked at me, his eyes shining and leaned over whispering in my ear.
"Robbie is really hooked."
"Mmmmm, he sure is." I whispered back. "I didn't like what he said about this Marx fella, he sounds like a real bastard. Robert, let's check the office in West Point before we go on too the farm. Can we do that?"
"I don't see why not but I have a suspicion its not an office but more likely a post office box. The address listed with the Corporate Registration office is not a street address. We can check at the post office to be sure."
It turned out Robert was right. The postal clerk showed us the box after Robert identified himself as the attorney for West Point Associates. The box was still active but the mail had been removed earlier that morning. He didn't know who had picked it up since they couldn't see who opened the boxes since they were in the lobby. Robert filed a forwarding form with the clerk using his name as authorized agent having any mail sent too him at the Branston using the hotel's address but not the name.
I asked him if it was legal when we were back in the SUV.
"You own West Point Associates and that is the name the box is registered in Clyde. I am your attorney so it is legal. I put a 6-month termination on forwarding of any mail and that's when the box will be closed. I got a kick out of the clerk telling me that the box had a year before renewal but the Postal Service did not refund unused rental fees. That's the government for you. It might be interesting to see what comes in over the next 6-months."
Things got even more interesting when we reached the farm, the signs were where Gerry said they were and the main gate was locked. In the distance parked in front of the house was a black F350 Ford pickup but we didn't see anyone outside. Robert and I got out and he removed the intercom phone from a box pushing one of the buttons. A deep baritone voice answered.
"How can I help you?"
"Robert Ricksford here, you might open the gate if its no trouble. We would like to come in."
"Sorry but the place is closed for renovations, you'll have to come back later. Better still call for an appointment."
"I don't think Mr. Hampton needs an appointment who ever you are."
There was no response for a few seconds. "This is the Farm Manager, who did you say you were?"
"Robert Ricksford, attorney for Mr. Clyde Hampton and I think you had better open this gate."
There was another long pause and then a loud buzz, the gates swung open. "Close them after you come through." It was like an order rather then a request.
Driving to the house we saw a big man step out of the front doors of the house, Kyle Marx. He fit the description Gerry had given us. Devon parked alongside of the pickup and we could see several boxes packed in the back.
Marx didn't more as we got out, just stood looking with his hands in his pockets. He reminded me of a longshoreman. Gerry was right, his eyes were cold blue and he stood like a statue not moving as we walked around the pickup. "Which one of you is Hampton?" He asked.
"I am and you must be Kyle Marx. This is Mr. Ricksford, his brother Stewart and a friend of ours Devon Walker."
A slight smile flickered at the corners of his mouth. "I heard you were in town." He said coldly.
"You have." I said just as coldly. "How?"
"You can't keep a secret in a small place like this Hampton. Word gets around pretty fast."
"Then you know why we are here if you heard we were here. Dickson call you or maybe a little birdie did."
"Dickson, yesterday. You wanna come inside or stand out here?" He said turning away.
"It looks like your doing some packing, going somewhere or are the boxes in back of the truck materials for the renovations."
" No, personal stuff I've been meaning to put in storage."
"You wouldn't mind if we too a look would you Marx?"
Just as he spun around, his eyes flashing a familiar voice called down the stairs.
"Kyle honey, how many more of these boxes are we going to take? We can't take all of them with us." Martineze said coming down the stairs carrying another box. He froze on the landing his mouth open dropping the box down the remaining steps. The box broke open and videotapes scattered over the polished floor.
"You idiot, I told you to stay upstairs until I got rid of them."
"How did I know you were going to bring them inside and don't call me an idiot. We should have left yesterday after Dickson called but no, you said we had plenty of time."
Marx glared at me and I didn't take my eyes off of him. He looked like the kind that could be dangerous if backed into a corner and I felt Stu move just to my left. We both stood taking stock of each other. He was a little bigger and heavier then me but I didn't think he could move very fast. Most muscle bound men can't. Martineze stood on the staircase landing looking at the tapes he had dropped.
"You should have taken my advice Martineze and left when I told you." Robert said quietly breaking the silence and stepping forward. "But you have saved me the trouble of serving this notice on Mr.Marx. It's a notice of Termination and Eviction. I don't think we will need a Sheriff to enforce it unless you wish to contest it. A phone call can solve that though if you do."
"How do I know it's legal." Marx hissed shifting his gaze to Robert.
"Maybe a call too the Sheriff's office will convince you." Robert said moving towards a phone-sitting close by. "I don't think you are that stupid if you talked with Dickson yesterday. Are you?"
"Get on down here Martineze, don't stand there like and idiot." Marx ordered.
"What for? You can't bluff your way out of this. I told you yesterday what had happened at the meeting with Dickson. I'm not going too jail for you or him over a few porno tapes."
"You should have thought about that yesterday Martineze." I said watching Marx. He looked like Dickson had when Robert backed him into a corner before caving in. "Do you really think I'm going to let you leave here with all of this stuff Marx? Robert call the Sheriff, I'm tired of fucking around with these assholes."
"Wait a minute Hampton, lets talk this over. There is a lot of money here, enough for both of us. These tapes sell for $50 bucks apiece, more in Mexico on the black-market."
"And you won't spend a damn dime of it in prison. Make the call Robert."
Marx hesitated for a few seconds and just as Robert moved too the phone he almost screamed "Wait, wait. What in hell do you want?"
"You and Martineze have 30 minutes to get that truck outside unloaded and loaded with what is yours, nothing else. That's what I want Marx and damned fast. I am fed up with you, Dickson and Martineze. Right now I don't give a good fuck what happens but you better make up your mind and quit bullshitting." I said slowly clinching and unclenching my fists.
"Before you leave, I have a document that needs your signature. It's a Quit Claim Hold Harmless release just in case you get any crazy ideas." Robert said. "Remember Martineze, you signed one and it's on file with Judge Doumar in Municipal Court."
"And if I don't sign it?"
"In that case, I have a suponea for your appearance in court before the Judge tomorrow. I don't think Dickson or Martineze would like that."
"Sign the damned paper Kyle, you heard what Dickson said. I was there when he signed over everything. They have everything on paper or he wouldn't have signed. Let's just get out of here."
"You better listen Marx unless you think we are bluffing." I said. "I'll drag the whole lot of you through court. Take the out your being given."
Everyone stood looking at each other. Robert poised by the telephone, Stewart behind me and Devon standing just inside the doorway. For just a minute it was like a standoff and then Marx growled, "get it unloaded Enrique and pull the truck over to my cottage so we can load my stuff. Gimme the goddamn paper, I should have known Dickson would fink out on the deal. Big ideas but no balls."
"Clyde, Devon and I will help unload and go with Martineze while you and Robert finish here." Stu said over my shoulder.
"Thanks, good idea Stu." I said quietly still watching Marx.
Marx signed the documents that Robert had brought with him and Devon signed as witness since he was more or less a disinterested party. Robert walked through the rooms while they finished loading personal items. When Stu and Devon returned with Martineze, Stu pulled me aside.
"You should see Marx cottage." He whispered. "It's like a Dungeon from Hell, chains, whips, leather clothes, rings in the walls and a cage with steel bars. Christ but he must be a sadist. Martineze didn't say anything about what must have gone on in there but he sure was embarrassed."
"Bullies usually do go for that kind of stuff Stu."
"I just wish there was some way we could make him suffer and see how he likes it. Damn, it burns me up Clyde."
"Ease up Stu, sooner or later he will get his. They always do." I whispered eyeing Marx walking towards me.
"That's it Hampton. If I've forgot anything, you can send it too me." Marx growled sullenly, glaring at us.
"You've forgotten the keys Marx, all of them." I said extending my hand.
"Oh yeah. The main house locks are all magnetic. This is the key card for those and the key for the cottage I used. The rest of the keys are hanging in the key box in the office on the second floor. You want me to show you where the pots and pans are in the kitchen or do you think you can find those." He said sarcastically.
"We'll need the combinations for the safe and file cabinets Clyde." Robert said coming down the stairway.
"The combinations are in an envelope taped on the underside of the left top desk drawer. I was going to burn the stuff in them but you got here before I could."
"You should have done it yesterday after Dickson called." Martineze whined moving away from Marx.
"Shut up you sniveling idiot." Marx said threateningly. If you'd kept your wetback mouth shut I wouldn't have had to do anything except sit tight. You want anything else Hampton? I wanna get out of here."
"Anything else Robert?"
"Not that I can think of Clyde. If there is, we can talk with Dickson."
"Okay then Marx. Have a safe trip back east. You should do okay on the docks what with the holidays coming up. Lots of ships coming in." I said watching him close.
"You never can tell Hampton, I've been around. We might run in to each other again sometime, who knows." He said sneering and left.
"Maybe in Baltimore Marx. I'll look forward too it." I called after him as he walked away.
"Yeah, maybe. I've been there." Marx answered slamming the door behind him.
"Stu, quick. Get his license number before he leaves. Don't let him see you."
"I can tell you that Mr. Hampton, its New Jersey 2212AN04." Martineze said softly.
"Damn Martineze, I forgot you were still here." I said.
"You were more interested in him then me and a good thing to. He is dangerous and mean. I stopped trusting him a long time ago."
"Then what in hell are you doing here now?" Robert asked incredulously.
"Greed. What's in those boxes can make you rich. Marx said we would split it when we got too Mexico. He wasn't going to burn those files upstairs, not with all of the names and addresses in them. He said something once about copying them and sending it all back to someone in Jersey City wherever that is. He said it would get him off the hook. I don't know what he meant by that but he would have done it. There was no love lost between him and Dickson. I don't know how much he knocked down on the side but he screwed Dickson every time he could."
"Knowing all of that Martineze, did you really think he would split with you?" Robert asked.
"He probably wouldn't have but I have a few friends in Mexico." Martineze said grinning almost evilly.
"I bet you do. Just don't think about returning here with any of them Martineze." I said quietly. "I don't speak Spanish but I know people that do."
Looking at me Martineze smiled saying "Yes, I'm sure you do Mr. Hampton. Is it okay if I leave now?"
"Via Con Dios Enrique. Have a safe trip where ever you go." I said extending my hand.
Shaking my hand he said softly, "You do know Spanish" and walked out the door.
We followed Martineze and stood on the front porch as he drove down the long gravel drive waving out of the window as he went through the open gate.
"You know." I said to no one in particular. "He really isn't that bad, just got in over his head. Marx was right about one thing, he doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut."
"It was a good thing for us that he doesn't. If you swim with sharks though, you might get bitten. He was a pawn and Marx and Dickson used him. Let's look this place over. There is plenty of food in the kitchen with just about anything you want to drink. God but you should see how it's all laid out. Talk about an operation, it would make the Mafia proud."
Robert was right about the house, it was luxuriously decorated and furnished. It had 7 bedrooms each with its own shower bath and a master bedroom with the famous mirrored wall. Its bathroom was full size with a standing glass shower large enough for at least 4 people and a spa sized hot tub in the floor. Mirrored walls, gray granite counter tops with three basins on one wall. The commode was hidden in a small alcove and the floor was tiled in dark green octagon tiles. Rosettes held the mirrors and on close inspection you could see hidden camera lens strategically placed so the entire bath could be filmed. The room on the other side of the mirrored was a cinematographers dream with the latest camera and sound equipment. With the hidden room cameras and the equipment behind the mirrored wall, every angle of the king sized bed could be filmed. The room was decorated in indigo blue and soft silver including silver satin sheets on the bed.
"It's amazing Clyde." Robert said as we inspected the house. "Every room has hidden cameras and microphones all connecting in a master control room in the basement. There is state of the art sound and video equipment down there with a television screen for each room and computers with fax machines. "
"I didn't see anything in the kitchen Rob." Stu said.
"Look up at those low voltage directional lights. Two cameras with microphones and I'll bet they are remotely controlled. Those and the ones in the living room hidden in those fancy wall sconces."
"Who ever operated it must have really got his kicks watching whatever went on in the bedrooms Stu." Devon commented. "Real sicko if you ask me."
"We still haven't checked the outside cottages and that barn, if it is a barn." I said "and I want to check the outside lighting. I saw some floodlights as we were coming in and I think outside cameras."
We spent an hour checking the rest of the outside. The cottages were not wired for sound or video and Stu was right about the cottage Marx said was his, it was like a dungeon. The others were small but luxuriously furnished with small baths and completely stocked bars.
The barn was split with an indoor swimming pool, wet and dry spas, exercise equipment and a large tiled shower and bathroom at one end with connecting arched doorways. There were 12 small bedrooms, 6 on each side, off of a balcony that ran down either side of the divided building with fluted columns supporting it and a narrow stairway at each end. Solar panels and skylights were built into the roof and covered the entire building flooding it with natural light. The bedrooms were furnished with a standard size bed, washbasin and commode. The floor area under the balconies was furnished like a huge living room with two of the largest projector televisions I had ever seen. One wall was a complete standup or sit wet bar also fully stocked with plush sofas and chairs scattered over the soft thick carpet. The entire building was decorated like a Roman/Greco bathhouse with fluted columns, palm trees made with silk fronds and marble benches and floor tiles around the pool.
"Damn fellas, have you ever seen anything like this?" I breathed almost in awe at the luxury.
"Devon." Robert said. "No one knew what was going on here? Someone had to do the building or at least saw all of the materials being brought in for it."
"Rumors Rob, only rumors. Some of the guys at the Panic talked about what went on but they never mentioned this, just the main house. Remember Gerry told us about the bedroom with the mirrored wall. I got a hunch that this is the place where they guys that were here lived and maybe worked."
"Your probably right about that Dev, it wouldn't surprise me." I said agreeing with him.
"What are we going to do with it Clyde?" Stu asked looking around.
"I've got an idea but we'll talk about the later when everything is settled. I wonder what happened to all of them though, no one was here except Marx and Martineze."
"The regulars must have left voluntarily or were told too leave. If there are any guys from the college or around here, they'll find out pretty quick." Devon said.
"Well, lets go back inside, I've seen enough. I'm not a prude but this blows the mind. I want to check the control room for all of this and get a drink. This has been a hell of a tour."
Walking back too the house we could see the Halogen floodlights mounted on the main house and out buildings, strategically placed where they covered all angles and weatherproof cameras. Robert was looking with me locating the outside security equipment.
"It's a pretty good outside security system Clyde. I noticed motion detectors inside when we were looking around. We should be able to see if its all on timers or just how it is controlled from inside." He said.
"Rob, Clyde." Devon said. "See the way those lights are angled and the cameras? It looks to me like they have been mounted so that the buildings are protected leaving some areas where people can move between buildings at night and not be seen from the roadway at night. I can't tell from here but I bet when we check those cameras have motion detectors and if someone enters the lighted areas they come on."
"What about birds or animals Dev? Would they set off the detectors?" Stu asked thinking the same as I was.
"Dogs maybe but that's about all. Nocturnal animals don't like light and there are not that many birds flying at night if you think about it. I haven't seen any outside trashcans, have you? That's what attracts dogs and some other animals looking for food. We used to keep our trashcans in a locked enclosure at the Branston so we wouldn't have dogs sniffing around."
"That makes sense Dev." I said. "Maybe we should think about doing that again?"
Robert was right about the kitchen, there was enough food for a small army. We all got a beer except Devon he selected a Coke. Robert led us downstairs to the control room and it was a maze of electronic equipment.
"I sure hope one of you knows how to operate this stuff, I sure don't." I said looking at them.
"WOW!! Damn Robbie." Stu exclaimed. "It's like a satellite control room."
"Almost Stu." Devon said sitting down at one of the computers. This is the way they videotaped each room. Pop a blank CD in the burner; record what was happening and then using it as a master, cut as many videos as they needed. The joystick was how they controlled the cameras; they could zoom in or out and move to almost any angle they wanted. From what I can see, looks like they were getting ready to start cutting DVD's and videos. DVD's and CD's reproduce better quality pictures and they could get a better price."
"How do you know all of this Dev." Robert asked.
"I've been studying Computer Dynamics and Design in school. I wish we had equipment like this though, the state is cheap."
"After we dismantle all of this, we can make a gift of it or maybe use it ourselves. Where are the controls for security Devon, can you locate it?"
"Probably that unit set up off by itself, lets see."
Devon flipped a few switches and the computer screen lit up; we could see the exterior grounds.
"Its all set on timers Clyde, it will activate at dusk and off in the morning at first light according to the schedule that's been programmed. Sensors remember, pretty neat system. Who ever did all of this really knows what he was doing."
"That's good, lets get out of here. It's been a long day and we have a 2 hour drive before we get back too Lincoln. We all must be hungry and tired and I know I need a drink."
"What about all of the tapes Clyde?" Stu asked.
"Lets lock them up in the office, make sure all of the alarms are set and we will destroy all of it later.
Driving back, no one really had anything to talk about and that was fine with me. My head was aching from the day's events. Laying my head in Stu's lap I fell asleep his hands rubbing my sides his arms holding me close.
"He's had a pretty rough day Robbie."
"We all have bro and a good night's rest will do us all good. Dev and I will pass on supper if it's okay with you guys. A shower, a couple of drinks and bed is all we need. After all of this is over little brother, we need to talk." Rob said looking at Devon.
Stu woke me when Devon was driving up too the Branston and I felt a little better after the short nap.
"Feel like eating something or do you want to go on up too our room? Devon and Rob are passing on eating." Stu said.
"That sounds good to me but I hope Scott hasn't locked the doors, I don't have a key."
"He's at the front desk and maybe you should get a key." Robert said waiting while Devon parked the SUV.
"Hi Mr. Hampton" Scott said as we walked in. "I wasn't sure when you would be back so I stuck around. It's been pretty quiet most of the day but there are some messages we should go over if you have the time or we can do it tomorrow."
"Tomorrow is fine Scott. Anyone else around?"
"No sir, I told Ethel she could leave 2 hours ago. The staff is all gone except the ones you wanted for cleanup. Nick stopped in earlier but he said he would be back tomorrow after school. We still have guests in 410 and 516 but they will be leaving tomorrow.
"Looks like you have everything under control Scott. Put a sign on the doors telling anyone who leaves the doors will not open until 9 in the morning and then you get out of here. We are calling it a night, it's been a long day."
"Yes sir, I'll be in at 7. I had a key made for you today if you would like to have one."
"I do and thanks. I was just reminded I needed one. Good night." I said walking to catch up with Stu waiting by the elevator.
Stu melted into my arms as the doors closed. His lips covered mine, our tongues danced twisting and searching already familiar surroundings.
"I've been wanting to do that all day." He said leaning his head back, his eyes shining.
"Is that all?" I asked holding him tight against me, my cock hardening pressing against his.
"Here or in the room?"
"In the room, the bed's more comfortable then this tile floor."