Disclaimer: This story is totally fiction. All characters were made up and any similarities are just coincidental. This is gay erotica between teenage boys so if that offends you, please discontinue reading. Also, if it is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned. Continual reading could cause a knock at your door. If you like this story, I also have the series "Josh: sex slave" continuing to run. And you can always contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com with suggestions or concerns. Thoughts and suggestion are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.
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Another Chance
Chapter 17
Jim and Zac each put on a shorts and headed downstairs. They were planning to fix breakfast for their guests, but were surprised when they saw CJ and Danny fixing breakfast for them. Danny was sitting a plate of ham steaks on the table as the boys got to the dining room. CJ had several plates with two eggs sunny-side up, a plate for each person. There was also hash browns and juice on the table.
"Hope no one minds what we're having. I ran to the store and picked up a few things." CJ stated.
"No, I think everyone will be happy. Here, Zac and I came down to fix breakfast for you guys and we're pleasantly surprised." Jim said smiling.
"What smells so good?" Mrs. Bolt asked as she walked into the dining room.
"Our guest made us breakfast." Jim responded.
"So, you're never allowed to leave, now." Mrs. Bolt said with a smile as she took a sip of coffee.
"Unfortunately we'll be leaving in two days. Next Christmas, we might try to bring the family. I'm sure they'd love to spend Christmas here." CJ replied.
"After these two get dressed," Danny started pointing at Zac and Jim, "We'll head to the ranch. I'd really like to see your palomino since I've heard so much about it."
"When we're done there, we'll swing by and pick up some groceries. We know Jim likes peas, green beans and instant mash potatoes." CJ kidded. Everyone chuckled at the faces Jim was making.
"I was thinking about getting some asparagus, baking potatoes and steaks for dinner tonight." Mrs. Bolt said.
"You've invited us into your home, we'll pick them up" CJ told her.
"Aside from that, if you're getting the groceries, feel free to get whatever you would like to have." Mrs. Bolt stated.
When breakfast was done, Jim and Zac ran upstairs, showered and got dressed. They came downstairs, both were wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Jim's was a dark blue and Zac had on a red one. They grabbed their coats as CJ suggested that they all go in his SUV. Zac didn't mind not using his truck and saving gas, so they all headed for the SUV.
Pulling into the lane that leads toward the ranch, they saw smoke. CJ sped up to see what was burning. As they approached the barns, they could see smoke coming from the office. Ranch hands were busy putting out the fire, but it looked like almost a total loss. "Where's Jackson?" Zac called out.
"We found him unconscious, he's in the barn waiting for an ambulance." One of the hands stated. "He was lucky that they knocked him out before he got inside. Kind of surprises me, though."
"Maybe they didn't think they could get him if he got inside. And if the door were still locked, they didn't want to try and guess which key to use." CJ suggested.
"Jackson, Josh and I are the only ones with keys, so the door probably was locked. So somebody did this, it wasn't an accident of any kind?" Zac asked.
"No, this was deliberate. We're just glad that they stopped with the office. Let me show you something." The hand said as he headed toward the barn.
Zac, Jim, CJ and Danny followed the hand. When they got to the barn, the hand pointed at the barn wall. Spray-painted was a message, "The girl was just a start. All fag lovers should burn."
"If they think fag lovers should burn, why'd they leave Jackson outside the building?" the hand asked.
"Are the police and fire department on their way?" CJ asked.
"A detective arrived just before you did. He said that he's the one handling the attack on Cheyenne."
"Good, maybe he can use this to get some answers." Zac stated.
"Well, I'll definitely see what charges I can add, but we can't charge Jerome for this fire. Being in police lockup is a pretty good alibi." A man dressed casual said.
"Yeah, I can see that." Danny stated.
Jackson came out of the barn. A few hands kept telling him that he should stay laying down until the ambulance came and checked him out. He insisted that he was fine other than a massive headache. Jim looked at him. "I'm sorry, Jackson. I feel like this is all my fault."
"Nonsense, you didn't do this. Whoever did is at fault. Even if they did it for whatever reason concerning you, THEY are at fault."
"You have insurance, right?" CJ asked.
"Yea, but they'll have to investigate and know that I didn't do this before they'll cover the loss. In the meantime, I can use a corner of one of the barns as an office."
"I'll expedite my report to your insurance company to speed things along." The detective said.
"In the meantime, I'll call some friends and see what we can do about getting the office rebuilt. I know some people who'll build it and let you pay them when your insurance company makes good on your claim. Or you can use the check I gave you, and then just put the money back when the insurance comes through." CJ suggested.
"Well, just make sure no one touches anything until the fire marshal completes his investigation. I suspect that they'll discover the accelerant used is very common amongst the farms and ranches around here, unfortunately. They may have even used stuff from this ranch." The detective advised.
"Totally understandable." Jackson said.
The ambulance pulled up followed by a couple fire trucks and the fire marshal. Jackson was reluctant, but finally allowed the medics to look him over. They said that he probably has a slight concussion, but should be fine and didn't need to go to the hospital unless he started feeling nauseous, or worse. The fire marshal looked around what was left of the office and after a several minutes walked over to Jackson.
"Good thing you weren't inside. From a quick glance, diesel was definitely used as well as some fertilizer."
"Diesel instead of gasoline?" Zac asked.
"Yes, son, while gasoline burns easier, diesel burns hotter. And it's waxier so that it's harder to wash off. Also, seeing how a lot of the tractors around here run on diesel for efficiency, it's easier to obtain and go unnoticed. I would say that the chances of catching who did this are slim at best, but I'll get with the detective and compare notes. Whatever leads he may have, we'll work together. Did you give him a statement yet?"
"Not yet, but only thing I can say is that the cowards hit me from behind." Jackson stated.
"They did leave a note spray painted on the barn." Danny said. They showed the fire marshal the note. He took a few pictures of the note and the remains of the office.
The fire marshal told Jackson that he had enough to write his report and clean up can start any time. The only thing salvageable were the contents of the fireproof safe. As for the computer, Jackson was smart and made backups onto external hard drives every night and those were kept in the safe.
"I feel bummed, now." Jim said.
"Well, don't. You let them make you feel bummed, they win." Jackson said. "They can do whatever, we can't control them, but we start having the reaction they want, we let them control us."
"Yeah, but..." Jim started.
"The only but I want is yours going about what you would have been doing if they didn't cause this fire. Got me?" Jackson demanded.
"We were going to show Danny and CJ Gold and Silver." Zac said.
"Then do it. I'm going to call my insurance company to get the ball started on my claim." Jackson stated.
"I'm going to call Sarge, and get some prospective guys to run security for you. Whoever you have now isn't enough." CJ said.
"In their defense, no one was expecting anything like this, but I would love to have someone like Sarge to head up Security." Jackson said.
"That's just it, Sarge would have been prepared for something like this." CJ stated.
CJ made the call and wrote some names and phone numbers down. He handed the list to Jackson. Then Jim and Zac led Danny and CJ to where the horses are kept. Danny whistled when he saw Gold. "Beautiful animal." Danny stated.
"That he is, and he's been my friend since he was born." Jim said looking down.
"Look, Jackson told us about what you've been through. Obviously, Gold is happy to be reunited with you, don't feel sad that you had to give him up when you did. You were what, fourteen or just turned fifteen at the time? You didn't have any control over it." CJ stated. "Be happy that the two of you are back together."
"All my friends have been saying that to me, but hearing it from you, I needed that. I am very happy that he's back in my life." Jim said raising his head and smiling.
"So, let's saddle up and see what you can do." Danny said.
The boys grabbed two other horses for Danny and CJ. They took the four horse to get saddled. It didn't take long to get the horses ready as all four had been doing it for some time. Jim was the first to mount and Danny asked him to ride around the ring and show what he can do.
Jim suggested that they go to the arena if they really wanted to see what Gold was capable of, so they mounted up and rode over to it. Jim put Gold through some paces and then did some barrel racing. He was pleased with his performance and it was obvious that CJ and Danny were impressed.
Jim rode over to where the guys were. "You planning to be in a rodeo? You looked good barrel racing." CJ asked.
"Naw, I just like riding. Besides, to get a professional card, you have to be eighteen." Jim answered.
Well, let's hit the trails and check out this ranch. Haven't been here since Jackson talked about buying it and asked for our input." Danny stated.
Zac and Jim took them on a trail and the chatted for a while. They talked about the gang back at Second Chance and the potential for Another Chance. CJ said that he suggested that Jackson build a house on the ranch, but after the fire today, unless security was beefed up, he's not sure it would be a good idea.
Rest of CJ and Danny's visit went by uneventful. They talked more with Jackson and better security was being arranged. Clean up had begun on the office and plans were being drawn up for not just an office, but Jackson decided to follow CJ's advice and build a house with the office as part of it.
Saturday afternoon, CJ and Danny said their goodbyes and headed home. Snow started falling as they pulled out of the ranch. "They really like you boys. Said you remind them so much of their family." Jackson stated.
"I like them, too. I can see why you think so much of them, but I'm glad we have you instead." Zac said.
"I have to agree. While I'd be happy to be part of their family, I'm happier counting you as a family member." Jim stated.
Jackson felt a tear forming in his eye. "And I'm glad to have you boys as part of mine, but I have a few people to interview and you need to be getting home. Don't forget the party tonight. We're starting at eight."
Zac and Jim got in the Zac's truck and headed for their houses. As they pulled in the cul-de-sac, they started laughing. Their moms were working together to build a big snowman. Zac parked the truck and they got out and started helping. "Mrs. Bolt looked at Jim, "I like those two, next time they visit, make sure they know they'll be welcome here again."
"I will, Mom, but Jackson is building a house on the ranch. He's having guest rooms built just for when they come visit."
"Well, I'm sure they appreciate that. Anyway, who's up for some hot cocoa when we get the snowman done?"
"Sounds good, Mom, but remember, Jackson's Christmas party is tonight. We'll need to start getting ready right after." Jim responded.
Everyone piled into Mrs. Bolt's car. Zac and Jim wanted to go in Zac's truck so their moms could leave when they were ready, but Mrs. Bolt wanted them to ride with her. They pulled into the lane and was stopped by a security officer. They showed ID and he let them pass after finding their names on the list. Zac directed Mrs. Bolt to park in his usual spot.
They walked in the barn that Jim and Zac had decorated. Everyone was already there except Jackson and Ryan. They came in behind Jim and Zac. "Zac, you've already met Ryan. Jim, this is my partner and soul mate."
"Nice to meet you Ryan. You have a terrific boyfriend." Jim said holding his hand out.
"I know it. He's the best, next to yours, of course." Ryan said taking Jim's hand.
"Yea, I do have an awesome boyfriend. I'm not sure how I got so lucky." Jim stated. Zac started to blush.
Jackson walked to the center of the barn. "I'm glad to see everyone is here. Hope you like the decorations. A round of applause for Zac and Jim. They did all of this. Every enjoy yourselves and get something to eat and drink. In an hour, we'll start passing out the presents."
Everyone mingled about for a bit. Since families were here, Jackson thought it was wise to keep the party alcohol free. There was punch and chips on one table. Another table had barbecued beef. A third table included raw veggies with dip. Then there were tables set around if anyone wanted to sit and eat.
After an hour, Jackson asked for everyone's attention again. "I need a little elf to help me pass out presents." He looked at Josh's son. "Your name is Lucas, isn't it?"
"Yeap." Lucas said in a quick high tone. A smile was on his face. Lucas is a typical nine year old boy.
"Would you like to help me pass out the presents?" Jackson asked.
"Do I get one?" Lucas asked.
"I don't know if Santa left anything under there for you, but we'll see." Jackson said, knowing he bought presents for the families, too.
Lucas grabbed a present and brought it to Jackson. Jackson looked at the name and told him to whom he should give it. Lucas ran to the person, wished them a Merry Christmas and went back to the tree.
When Jackson told him that the present was his, Lucas was done helping. "Well, I guess I need another helper. Jim, would you mind?"
Jim grabbed the presents, but he only took them to Jackson if he didn't recognize the name. When all the presents were handed out, Zac and Jim still didn't have one under the tree. "Well, looks like all the presents are handed out." Jackson stated. Jim tried to keep a happy face, but he felt like he and Zac were slighted. "Wait a minute," Jackson stated. "You and Zac never got your present. Now where did I put them?"
Jackson started looking around like he was looking for them. "OH, yeah, I know where they are." He reached into his coat and pulled out two envelopes. One was red with Jim's name on it and the other was Green with Zac's. He handed them their envelope.
Opening the envelopes, Zac and Jim saw papers giving them full ownership of their horses. Jim looked at Jackson, "But I still owe you..." he started.
"No you don't. That's your Christmas gift. Your debt is paid in full." Jim hugged Jackson. "If this is the response I get, I may need to give you another horse." Jackson chuckled.
"Thanks, Jackson. I really love the gift." Zac said and threw his arms around him.
Jackson walked over to Mrs. Bolt and Mrs. Scheon. "I wasn't sure what to get you two. Jim tells me that you used to ride with your husband and hadn't been on a horse since he past, And when we helped you move, I couldn't help but see on the western decorations, so I thought long and hard about your gift.
"Mrs. Scheon, Zac told me that you never take time for yourself. I thought a weekend at the spa would be nice for you."
"I have to admit, I have been a bit busy. Time at the spa will be nice." Mrs. Scheon stated.
"I love the bronco statue. It'll go great with my décor. Now, when I come ride, do I get to pick who I ride with?" Mrs. Bolt asked.
"I figured, you'd want to ride with Jim, but if you prefer someone else..." Jackson started.
"No, Jim, or you if he's not available, would be my choice." Mrs. Bolt said cutting him off.
"I'll make sure one of us is available when you decide to come ride."
Everyone continued having a good time. Slowly the guest left as they were getting tired. Jim walked over to his mom and hugged her. "What's that for?"
"Just because I never show you I love you enough." Jim said. "We going home soon? I'm getting tired and Zac and I work in the morning."
"Yea, I was about to ask if you were ready to head home. Let me get Zac and Marilyn." Mrs. Bolt responded.