An Orphan

An Orphan (c) By Lee Mariner

March 2003

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This story is a fictional gay fantasy and includes homosexual acts between men and boys. IF YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO READ OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF SUCH MATERIAL, PLEASE LEAVE. All characters and events are fictional and unrelated to any person or persons living or deceased.

DO NOT ENGAGE IN UNPROTECTED SEX, IT CAN LEAD TO A LIFE THREATENING CONSEQUENCE.

All stories I have written can be found under the name of Lee Mariner in the Nifty Archives listing of Prolific Authors. Constructive criticism is appreciated.

COPYRIGHT: This story is copyrighted (c) 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 terms of their submission guidelines but it is not to be copied or archived on any site without the written consent of the author.

Copyright: March 2003 - Author: Lee Mariner - All Rights are Reserved.

Mariner23502@hotmail.com

Chapter #29

In Lincoln, Devon was our unofficial driver but not in Baltimore. Robert took over those duties driving the rental we had reserved for our arrival. Devon was good in Lincoln but this was Baltimore and Robert and Stewart had been born here.

Working on the docks like I had there never was much time for sightseeing but looking around as we drove, you could see that Baltimore was making great strides in its urban renewal programs. The Marriott Baltimore-Waterfront Hotel was an excellent example of joint public and private enterprise working together in the ongoing improvement of the surrounding blighted areas of the waterfront.

"I watched them building this place when I worked the docks but I didn't realize it was this big. Someone did a hell of a job designing it."

"I thought you might like it Clyde, that's why I made reservations here. It's close to Dad's office and some of the other places we might like to visit." Stu said, his face beaming.

"We should be getting some kind of response on the invitations we sent out, I'd like to get the old Branston back in business."

"It's going to take a little while Clyde but you should be hearing something in the next few days." Robert said handing us our room cards saying, "I hope you like the view. You two should be able to see all of Baltimore and Annapolis from the top floor."

"The top floor, your kidding Robby." Stu exclaimed like a little kid. "I asked for an upper room but I didn't expect the top floor."

"No joke little brother, your luggage is already on the way up. There was a message from Dad that he would like for us to meet him at 1 o'clock at the Continental Club for lunch. You remember where that is don't you Stu?"

"He only took me there for lunch once Rob but why there? Why not at the office in the dining room?"

"I don't know. His message said for all of us to meet him there."

"All of us Rob." I said looking at Devon.

Robert saw my eyes shift in Devon's direction and he smiled. "All of us Clyde. We have a little over an hour so that gives us time to freshen up. How about you and Stu drop by our rooms on 20, #2026?"

The hotel had six elevators controlled by computers programmed for a continuous rotation of the cars between floors so that guests did not wait more then a few seconds and I mentioned it to Stu. "It'd be a good idea if we had our elevators monitored like these are. Watch that master display on the wall and you can see where each car is."

"We can have that done." He said agreeing with me. "I like the way they have merged art-deco and contemporary."

"Yeah, that's your department."

The rooms were luxuriously decorated with an obvious eye to easy maintenance. Bathrooms constructed of ceramic tile, heavy safety glass mirrors and stainless steel. Oddly enough there were not tubs only glass walled showers with Kohler fixtures.

Robert was right. On a clear day you might be able to see Annapolis. The windows were again thick safety plate glass and non-opening with thermal drapes. I guess I was thinking more like a businessman until I felt Stu's arms slip around my waist, his chin resting on my shoulder with his hard muscled body pressed up against me.

"What's wrong Clyde?" He whispered blowing in my ear.

"Nothing. Why do you ask?"

"Because I've gotten to know when something is bothering you babe and except for a word here or there, you have hardly said anything since we left Lincoln."

"Think you know me, do you?" I said twisting in his arms and putting mine over his, clasping my hands behind his broad back and looking into the depths of his deep blue eyes.

"I don't think anyone ever really knows everything about someone Clyde, but I am learning about you every day. You think a lot and I saw it when we were at the farm and discovered what had been going on there. You were fuming inside but you didn't say anything until after Hardison and his men had cleaned it out. You didn't say anything on the drive back too Lincoln and then when you were asked, you told us you were going to convert the farm into a boys home. Things like that babe, little things." He said, laying his head on my chest, his fingers tickling my spine.

"Lets sit down Stu, there are a couple of things I've been thinking about."

I had been thinking about how much I disliked Baltimore and how much I had grown to like Lincoln in the short time we had been there. Adam and Cody were two great guys pretty much we were, Devon was a gem and the others all seemed like sincere people with a sense of worth. I didn't want to stay in Baltimore any longer then we needed to be here.

"Stu, have you thought about where we are going to be living? Would you want to stay here in Baltimore or somewhere else?"

His eyes searched mine as if looking for an answer before answering. "I'll live anywhere you are Clyde but you know we are going to be living in Lincoln so why ask?"

"Because I want you to be happy Stu. We could finish remodeling the town house here and have an apartment in Lincoln if you want."

"And we could have a place in the Bahamas or maybe in Spain or even in Russia Clyde, but would that makes either of us any happier? I doubt it. Besides there is so much you want to do in Lincoln and West Point so why would we live any place other than there." Stu said almost breathlessly, picking at a piece of lint on his trousers.

"I'm not sure about Russia babe but we might be able to manage the other places if that's what you want."

I knew Stu was excitable but I didn't expect him to launch himself at me and push me back against the arm of the couch his chest flat against mine with his arms around my neck. His beautiful eyes were sparkling as he lowered his lips to mine in a deep passionate kiss. His tongue was a hot poker twisting and probing in a hot duel with mine our cocks swelling hardening between us, his heart racing with mine. Stu felt heavier when he exhaled pulling his lips away from mine gazing into my eyes. When he inhaled his chest expanded and I could feel his groin pressing tighter against mine as he looked at me grinning. "You silly goose. Don't you know by now that all I want is you? I wouldn't care if it was where we first met in that dinky room you lived in or a mansion on some hillside just as long as it is you that's with me."

"That's one of the things I love about you, no holding back. Let it all hang out for the world to see and if we keep this up there is going to be a mess between us."

"We've had those before but since when did that stop you?" He asked smiling and grinding his hard cock against mine.

"Since it is time for us to pickup Robert and Devon so we can meet your father. One of us has to keep his wits about him lover of mine." I said quickly pecking him on the forehead, lifting up carrying him with me. "Do you think Rob has told your father about him and Devon? He said we all were invited for lunch and Devon was included."

"That's probably one of the reasons why we are meeting him at the Continental Club and not having lunch at the office in the Executive Dining Room. When dad has something serious on his mind he usually lunches outside of the office so he won't be distracted and if Rob has told him about Devon and that he is gay, that is serious."

"Do you mean he might be upset? He didn't seem that upset when he was told about you and I."

"He suspected I was gay remember? Rob is something else; he is married with a daughter. There is nothing Dad can do about it if he has been told but Dad is pretty pragmatic when it comes to changes within the family. He will want to know exactly what Rob intends to do and be sure that he is doing the right thing by his wife and daughter plus the family. That's what makes him a good lawyer; he is practical and does not try and change what he knows he cannot. He will actually act like a buffer between Rob and his wife."

"Some fathers go ape shit and raise all kinds of hell. Rob and you were lucky yours was not like that. Surprised the hell out of me they way he took it that day."

"That's dad and speaking of him we better get going. Maybe we can finish later what you started."

"Me, I didn't start it but I can damn well finish it when we get back." I said pulling the door closed behind us, hearing a squealing laugh when I smacked his ass as he walked by.

Almost as soon as we knocked Robert and Devon came out of their rooms, wearing different clothes then when we left them and I received a dirty look from Stu when he saw them commenting. "We didn't have time to cleanup and change."

"We didn't have to but it feels better after that long flight. I always feel sort of gritty cramped up like that for so long." Rob said glancing at Devon who had an impish look on his face.

"Yeah, those closed airplane cabins can be dirty can't they." Stu said glancing at me again his eyes flashing blue sparks and in defense, I sort of shrugged my shoulders.

"Come on guys, we better get a move on." I said hastily. "We don't want to keep your Dad waiting."

The Continental Club was on S. Charles St. and Robert tooled the rented Buick sedan through the streets easily. Stu had lost a little of his pique and sat close with his hip touching mine.

I had driven past the Continental Club several times in the past but never paid it any mind. It was in one of the older buildings in the city and not very impressive. The architecture was early Federal and the rust colored bricks didn't look like they had been cleaned since the building had been constructed. The windows had to be almost 10' tall and 4' wide and you could see heavy shades not Venetian blinds covering them inside.

Granite steps led upwards to a brick floored portico with a roof supported by two huge brick columns. We walked through huge double doors with inset lead framed opaque diamond shaped glass. A stone-faced Mat'ire d'hotel' was standing just inside of the doors and he must have recognized either Robert or Stewart by the way he greeted us.

"Mr. Robert, Mr. Stewart, good afternoon. Your father is at his table, right this way." He said with a slight bow, glancing at Devon and I.

We followed our greeter into a huge high ceiling room filled with round tables with snow-white tablecloths. Each table had a small lamp in the center and a telephone. The senior Ricksford was sitting by one of the windows at a larger table that must have been at least 8' in diameter and when he saw us threading our way through the maze of tables and chairs, he waved and stood up.

"Robert, Stewart, Clyde, good to see you." He said extending his hand and thanking the mai'tre d'hotel' for escorting us.

"If your guests would like something to drink Mr. Ricksford, I'll send your server right over."

"I think they will Samuel, ask Eugene to come over when he has a moment." Ricksford said, gazing at Devon. "You must be Robert's friend Devon." He said extending his hand too him.

"Yes sir, Devon Walker. It's nice meeting you, Robert and Stewart have told me about you." Devon said smoothly and with confidence while shaking the elder Ricksford's hand.

It was impressive watching Devon stand his ground and not flinch. Devon wasn't a small man but he was nowhere as large as the man I saw approaching our table if he was our server.

Eugene was a man probably in his mid to late 30's. He was tall with broad thick shoulders, a narrow waist with salt and pepper hair and piercing almost cold slate gray eyes. He had a thick Slavic accent when he asked if he could be of service. He took our drink orders, giving Devon a close scrutinizing look before writing his down and left without further comment.

"He isn't a very friendly fellow is he Dad." Stu said to his father.

"His demeanor might indicate that son but I really wouldn't know. Samuel runs a pretty tight ship and un-necessary talking by the staff is discouraged. Most of them have been with the club for years and probably hear a great deal while serving the guests but its not likely they repeat any of it." He said quietly looking at the 4 of us, asking. "How was your trip?"

"Uneventful but it surprised me when we checked in at the Marriott and there was a message from you waiting for us. How did you know where we would be staying?" Robert asked.

"A Mr. Anderson told me when I called to see what your plans were. He said he was manager of Clyde's hotel and at first was rather reluctant to tell me anything until I convinced him I was your father." He said looking at me. "Good man to have Clyde and please call me Elwood."

"Of course and thanks. Your right, Scott is proving to be a valuable and competent asset." I said glancing at Stu sitting on my right. He and Robert were sitting on either side of their father with Devon and I sitting beside them.

We had a limited but delicious lunch. There were two entrée's you chose from and depending on what day of the week it was, the choices varied. Since it was Monday we had a choice of black-peppered Burgundy roast beef or Lemon Chicken breast. After lunch we all had coffee except Devon who had tea. None of us smoked except Elwood, he smoked cigars and lit one as soon as his coffee was served.

"Judge Doumar called me right after you were before him Robert, he really was impressed with the presentation of the documentation and how thoroughly everything was presented. The transfer and approval went well then?" Elwood said too Robert.

"The transfer of the assets of Clyde's uncle was done with little confusion sir. Mr. Dickson, the estate executor, was helpful with the estate inventories and evaluations. Judge Doumar impressed me as being a no nonsense jurist and he spoke with us for a few minutes after the proceedings were concluded. He mentioned he knew you and asked if we were planning on opening an office in Lincoln. He offered assistance if we needed it." Robert said, skipping over some of the rough spots we encountered because of Dickson's attempt at subterfuge.

"Doumar mentioned that when he called, what do you think?" Ricksford said blue smoke curling up from his cigar, his eyes on Roberts face.

"Its something we should think about. I've already submitted applications to the state for licensing and reciprocity with Maryland just in case we decide the firm should expand. Stewart is going to complete his education and with Clyde's interests he will need help occasionally. I think it's a good move."

"It sounds like it might be and you will be relocating with or without your family."

"I told you about Devon when we talked Dad and he came with us to meet you."

"I kind of figured who the young man sitting next to you is. My apologies for seemingly ignoring you Devon, lawyers have a nasty habit of talking to much."

"I've learned that since meeting Robert and Stewart Mr. Ricksford." Devon said.

Leaning back in his chair Elwood smiled, looking at his sons and us rolling his cigar between his fingers in reflection before he spoke. "I wasn't totally surprised when Robert told me of his decisions and preferences, I've known for sometime about his inner struggle with his feelings. It was just a matter of time until he knew which road was meant for him. None of us know the road we are destined to travel; we just do the best we can. Parents have hopes and wishes but most of us know we cannot control their futures, we can only train and hope with their safety and happiness uppermost in our minds. That always has been and always will be."

"You never mentioned anything about it Dad." Robert said, a surprised tone in his voice.

"Parents see things Rob, as their children grow into adults, you should know that since you have a daughter. As for saying anything about it, it is a personal thing and not my place to intrude in my children's personal lives. I will ask you if Marie knows you are here?"

"Not yet. I'm going to see her tomorrow and talk things over but I don't anticipate there will be any problems. She has probably suspected it for some time."

"I suggest you do Robert." Elwood said pushing his chair back and standing. "It was good seeing you again Clyde and meeting you Devon. We will have to get together for dinner while you are here."

• • • • • • • • When we arrived back at the hotel, I heard my name being called by one of the clerks behind the registration desk when we were walking across the lobby.

"I wonder what he wants Stu. I'll be right back." I said but he walked with me.

"Mr. Hampton?"

"Yes."

"There are two gentlemen waiting for you in the lounge. They didn't give their names sir, just told me to let you know they wanted to see you when you came in." The clerk said nervously.

"Two men in the lounge waiting for me. How long have they been waiting?"

"Not quite an hour sir. One of them has came out and looked around the lobby a few times."

"Thanks." I said turning away and Stu and I rejoined Robert and Devon.

"Two men waiting for you, who do you think they are Clyde? What do they want that they would be waiting for almost an hour?" Stu asked.

"Better than that Stu, who knows we are here at the Marriott except Dad. Scott wouldn't tell everyone we were here."

"The best way to find out is go see instead of standing here speculating. You guys wait, I'll be right back."

"Want us to go with you Clyde." Dev asked.

"There's only two Dev, I'll be back as soon as I see what they want."

As soon as I walked in the door of the lounge I spotted two men sitting in a back booth and I knew they were mob but not who they were. It's easy to spot mob people when you work the docks where they hang out but I couldn't remember seeing these two before and I was trying to think what they could want with me.

"You Clyde Hampton." One of them said without looking up, crushing his cigarette in an already full ashtray.

"Maybe." I said cautiously. "It depends on who's asking?"

"Don't get cute bud, Mattie sent us to pick you up. He said he'd like to talk with you. He's over at the Piers End."

"Mattie wants to see me now?" I asked quietly.

"He told us to wait for you so I guess that means now."

I knew that before he even said it. Mattie was what is called a made man and that means you didn't fuck with him. He and I had always been on good terms so it surprised me that two goons would be sent to pick me up for a meeting.

"Give me a minute and I'll meet you out front. Okay?"

They looked at each other for a second before the one who had been talking stood up. "You know Matte bud, he don't like people screwing with him. You got 5 minutes." He said threateningly before they walked out of the lounge.

Stu came through the lounge door with Robert and Devon following him before I had a chance to rejoin them.

"Clyde, who were those guys?"

"Two men you don't want to know little brother." Robert said softly over Stu's shoulder.

"You know them Rob?" I said a little surprised.

"Personally no but I've seen their kind in court. Are you in trouble?"

"No, my old union steward wants to see me that's all, probably about past dues." I said trying to be nonchalant. "You guys go on up and I'll be back as soon as I see what he wants."

"Where are they taking you Clyde?" Stu said looking at me with worry in his eyes.

"We are going to a bar over by the docks where I worked, the Piers End. It's a longshoreman's hangout. You remember Mattie the day you came on board the ship looking for me. Mattie is the ILA steward for the local I belonged to. I won't be gone that long, so don't worry, okay. You hang with Rob and Devon until I get back." I said looking at Robert.

The Piers End was a neighborhood bar by the docks and I had hung out there when I was working the docks. Mattie and other ILA dockworkers hung out in the bar but didn't live in the neighborhood. It wasn't that much of a drive but I had no idea what Matte wanted me for.

• • • • • • • • • • TBC