Disclaimer: This story is fiction. Some of the things that happened or will happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life. The character of Joe was inspired by a very, very dear friend who I love with all my heart. Parts of both characters are fictional as well. All other characters were made up and any similarities are just coincidental. This is gay romance between teenage boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's about their true love of each other 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. 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.
I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting more. Some people have noticed that this story was "inspired" by another story, a great story, here on Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd. I hope I don't step on anyone's toes and you give this story a chance. While there may be some similarities, I believe there will be enough differences as well. Mr. Todd was given my rough draft before I made my first submission. He was flattered by the fact I like his story and wanted to refer to it. He's also flattered by those who wrote him to "warn" him about this one. All I can say is, I'm glad you are loyal to him and I hope any references I use do his story justice. If you feel that I let his story down in any way, shape or form, please call my attention to where I did.
Unless someone expresses a concern over the longer chapters, I'll try to continue with them at this length. Still need someone to ask Dusty where I can go invest some stock in tissues.
AND, if you enjoy the stories on Nifty.org, please give a donation to help cover their expenses. While the site is currently free, only donations from loyal fans can help keep it that way. Any amount will help.
Another Chance
Chapter 28
School let out for the summer which for the boys means more time at the ranch. It was the first day of their summer break and the boys were shocked when they saw Colt sitting on the fence of the main corral. "I thought you were grounded?" Zac asked.
"I snuck out while Mom was away," Colt replied.
"Are you nuts? Who knows what your mom will do to you. And if she catches you here, she'll go ballistic!"
"I know what you're saying, Zac," Colt said. "You just don't understand, my bedroom is painted prison gray. Mom took everything out except for my mattress. I can't even change clothes unless she hands me something else to wear. I had to get out of there."
"I feel for you, Colt, but you know this is the first place your mom will look."
"This is a big property, can't I just go somewhere for a few hours? I promise to get home before my mom so she'll never know," Colt practically begged.
"I feel for you, Bud. Just try not to get Jackson into any trouble," Zac said as he walked towards the barn. Colt started running past the stables.
Jackson pulled up and started getting out of his truck. A Sheriff car pulled up behind him. Mrs. Browning pulled in and jumped out of her car. "Where is he?" Zac sighed. Two deputies got out of their car.
"Where is who?" Jackson asked. "I just pulled in, myself."
"You know damn well who I mean. What have you done to my son, you pervert?" Mrs. Browning headed in Jackson's direction.
"I haven't seen him since the day after Easter. Like I said, I pulled in just before you. But seeing how you treat him, if I were him, I'd get away from you any chance I got," Jackson stated frankly.
"Are you going to let him talk to me like that? I know he's broken the restraining order. Search this place and I guarantee you'll find my son here. Arrest him and make him tell you where he's holding my son," Mrs. Browning demanded.
"Mr. Sprayberry, do you have any knowledge where Colton Browning is?" Deputy Archer asked.
"Surely, you saw me getting out of my truck. You're welcome to search the property," Jackson stated.
"You going to buy that load of shit from a lying pedophile pervert? Arrest him and find out where he has my son," Mrs. Browning ordered.
"Ma'am, I assure you, I have no idea where your son is and I am not a pedophile. I have NEVER done anything with a minor and the only one I'm interested in that way is Ryan," Jackson said defensively.
"I know all about you homos, and why are you so interested in my son? Because you're a fucking pervert trying to turn my son gay. Deputy, do your job and arrest this thing," Mrs. Browning was ranting.
"Ma'am, I have no cause to arrest Mr. Sprayberry at this time," Deputy Archer stated.
"Search this dump, you will find my son. Now do your job," Mrs. Browning yelled at the deputy.
"Mr. Sprayberry, you don't have to let me, but would you mind if I searched the barns and your house for Colton?" Deputy Archer politely asked.
"I already said that you're welcome to search the property. I have nothing to hide. As for my interest in the boy, I can't prove it yet, but I see signs that this woman is abusing him mentally and emotionally," Jackson said.
Deputy Wallace stood with Jackson while Archer searched the barns. When he found nothing, he asked Jackson to unlock his office and house. Jackson was very cooperative. He didn't know that Colt WAS on the property. Zac wanted to warn him.
"Jackson, can you sign this order form?" Zac asked and handed him a clipboard. Jackson read the note that Zac wrote and signed the paper before handing the clipboard back to Zac.
After a complete search of the house and office, Deputy Archer was satisfied. "I see no evidence that your son was here. Ma'am."
Mrs. Browning punched Jackson in the gut. "What have you done with my son?" her voice sounded almost demonic.
Deputy Archer walked over and smiled, "You're under arrest."
"It's about fucking time," Mrs. Browning screamed but she was shocked when the deputy put the cuffs on her. As Deputy Wallace put Mrs. Browning in the back of their car, Archer stayed to check out Jackson.
"I've been wanting to arrest her for a LONG time. If you want to press charges for assault, you can come to the office. We'll hold her overnight, so if you do know where the boy is, I suggest you have someone take him home before morning. As for her vehicle, it's up to you. Either it can stay here until she's out or we can have it towed at her expense. Would you like for us to have her car towed?"
"I've not seen the boy in a month and a half. As for her car, as long as it won't cost me, then yea, have it towed," Jackson requested.
With that, Deputy Archer got in his car and drove away. A tow truck came out shortly and picked up the car. Jackson found Zac and Jim working, "Where the hell is Colt? And why the fuck is he here?"
"He was here when we got here. From what he told me, his room is worse than a prison, he wanted a break from his 'sentence'," Zac said.
Colt was crying as he came out from behind a tree. "I didn't get you into any trouble did I? I hate it at home. You know what it's like to just stare at a gray wall all day and be told you're worthless? I'm surprised she hasn't put bars on my windows or given me a bucket instead of letting me out to use the bathroom,"
"I can petition the court to get you out of that house if you want. Let me call Ryan," Jackson said.
An hour later, Ryan pulled up. As he got out of the car, he grabbed a box with his things in it. "Did they fire you?" Jackson asked.
"Not really, they gave me a choice. Either I drop you and Colt as clients or I was welcome to find another law firm. But here's the kicker, Heather Bolt chose that moment to call my cell phone. Seems her firm wanted to offer me a position. They had been doing research on me and wanted an interview," Ryan said.
"So, you'll be working for them?" Jackson asked with a smile.
"I start tomorrow, but I won't be an associate. They feel that the firm I just left had been dragging me along because I'm gay. I'll be a partner and make twice what I was," Ryan was all smiles as he told what had happened.
"Good! Now, what do we do about Colt?"
"First, I interview him to get as much information as I can. I may need everyone who has seen the belittling and abuse to testify. Before this is over, it might get nasty for Colt as well as us. The other partners are already aware and told me to take whatever actions I feel are warranted, but be careful."
"As long as he is safe, I'm not worried about me. Any chance on getting him out of the house before the bitch gets released?" Jackson was concerned.
"I've already spoken with Children's Protective Services. I told them about the case I was filing." Ryan looked at Colt, "If you are willing to testify that your mother abuses you, CPS will have you out of that house tonight."
"Will I be able to stay here? Can I live here with you and Uncle Jack?" Colt asked wiping away tears.
"Your mom has a restraining order against Jackson, so we can't let you stay here yet. We take this case to court and relinquish your mother's custody that will terminate the restraining order. Once that happens, Jackson and I will see about adopting you," Ryan stated.
"So, where would I go?" Colt was crying a little harder.
"My mom's still signed up with foster care, maybe she can take him in," Jim offered.
"That would be nice, but you don't have any spare bedrooms now. I have a friend, his name is Zarek Bolt," as he said it, the last name hit Ryan and he looked at Jim, "Is he any relation?"
"Not that I'm aware of," Jim responded, but his curiosity was up.
"Well, he's a writer and has written a few stories under the name Zarek Dragon. He has a spare bedroom and I think he's in the foster care system."
"I'd like to meet him some day," Jim said.
"I'm sure you will. It's almost noon, why don't I take Colt to lunch and we can chat. When we're done, we'll talk to CPS and see about him getting situated." Ryan suggested.
"Can we go to the Wyoming Ribs and Chop House? I'm really hungry. Think all my meals have been oatmeal since Easter." Ryan's stomach chose that time to growl as if to emphasize how hungry he is.
"Would you be upset if I had a doctor look you over before you eat? Sounds like we may have more fuel for the fire, so to speak," Ryan inquired.
Jim looked at Ryan. "You might want to talk to Dr. Bear, too. He was here that day and said that Colt is definitely being abused," he told him.
"Thank you, for that. I assure you, Colt, the abuse will stop. If all goes well, it stops today." Ryan never looked more confident while feeling so nervous. He was sure that he would present enough evidence to prove the abuse, but he had no guarantee.
As Ryan and Colt were getting in the car, Dusty pulled in and parked beside Zac's truck. He got out and let Cheyenne out. Jim was wondering why she rode in back but then Uncle Darry got out on the passenger side. "Uncle Darry is visiting again, so we thought we'd bring him horseback riding," Dusty told Jim as he approached.
"How's your cell reception out here?" Uncle Darry asked.
"I've never had trouble with it, why?" Jim asked.
Uncle Darry was checking his phone, so Dusty responded. "He's hoping to get a call from one of his boys in Michigan, or rather a friend of this boy. He heard from his friend in Ohio that the boy's mom took his phone."
Uncle Darry looked upset. "Damn it to HELL and back!" Uncle Darry yelled.
"What's wrong?" Dusty and Jim asked in unison.
"That asshole trying to get me in trouble back home called my cell at three this morning and left a voice mail. The phone call I was waiting on went straight to voice mail and I never knew he called. He tried calling four times and I didn't know so I never answered," Uncle Darry explained. "Damn it, damn it, damn it."
"Can't you call him?" Jim asked.
"I don't have his number and he didn't leave it." Uncle Darry said.
"Well Uncle, there's nothing you can do about it. Hopefully he tries calling again. Let's just enjoy our ride," Dusty suggested.
Jim showed them around the stables and let them choose their horses. As they were saddling their horses, a man walked up to them. He looked to be seventeen, eighteen, maybe nineteen tops. Jim thought he looked very familiar. "Excuse me, I'm looking for the owner, Jackson Sprayberry," the older teen said.
"Are you related to him? You could almost be his." Jim started.
"Brother? Yea, I get that a lot. My name is." the older teen was interrupted this time.
"JEFF! How have you been? Does Jackson know you're here yet?" Zac seemed enthusiastic. "Jim, this is Jeff Sprayberry, Jackson's brother."
"Now you know why I get that a lot," Jeff said smiling. "This place has changed some since I was last here."
"Yea, but that was last summer. Someone burnt down the office accusing Jackson of being a gay lover, so he built his house here when he rebuilt." Zac explained.
"Well, I hope he's a gay lover. Kind of hard to be gay and not be," Jeff kidded. "I just graduated from high school, so travelling wasn't really an option during the school year. I'll be going to Northwest College in Cody, though. I start in the fall. I'm hoping that Jackson will let me stay with him until I can find a place."
"Nope, not happening," Jeff jumped when he heard that familiar voice behind him. "I have enough room that you can live here, you don't need to find a place," Jackson chuckled at his brother's reaction.
"How much do you want for board?" Jeff asked.
"Only thing extra you're gonna cost me is electricity and food. I'm not worried about it," Jackson said. Jeff hugged his brother.
"Now all I need is to find a job," Jeff said with a grin.
"What do you know about working on a ranch?" Zac asked with a straight look on his face.
"Are you serious? Dude, who was it that worked with you LAST summer? And you already know that Jackson and I worked at the Rescue back home," Jeff kept going until Zac busted out laughing.
"I think you have a job," Jackson stated. "Since Josh went to the Rescue part, Zac is my second in charge here. I have no problem with him hiring anyone."
"At least I know we won't have to train him," Zac said. "Start tomorrow?"
"Yea, that'll give me the rest of the day to visit with my brother. So where is that eye candy of yours?" Jeff asked looking around and then at Jackson.
"He's with a client. He should be back in a couple hours," Jackson replied.
"Cool, means we have time to catch up. Don't get me wrong, I like Ryan, but he's a bit distracting, if you know what I mean," Jeff explained.
"Am I going to need a fire hose for whenever he's around?" Jackson chuckled.
"No, he's very handsome, but he's too old for me. There any young men that come to the ranch, maybe seventeen to nineteen years old?" Jeff asked. Jackson laughed.
Jim finished the trail with Dusty and his guest and they headed back to the stables. As they groomed the horses, Dusty asked Jim about their martial art class. "Have my gear in the trunk. You ready for the test?"
"Sure am, Can't believe I could be getting my black belt today," Dusty said. "Dad said that he's going to try to be there to watch. How about you?"
"I think so. Hard to believe that I've only been back doing martial arts nine months and I'm testing to get my blue belt," Jim stated.
"Yea, but I've watched you. You were obviously taught well in your classes in Montana and you've put a lot of effort into learning here," Dusty said encouragingly.
"Ryan's back. I wonder how things went." Jim said.
"Jackson in the office?" Ryan yelled.
"Nope, he's in the house with his brother," Zac responded.
"Jeff's here? Hope he's planning to stay the summer," Ryan said with a smile.
"Actually longer," Zac said with a grin.
"I bet that made Jackson happy. He loves having his brother around. And Jeff's a cool dude, so I don't mind either. By the way Jim, I snapped a picture of Zarek on my phone," Ryan said as he pulled his phone out.
"Then I take it Colt is staying with him?" Zac asked.
"The judge granted him temporary custody until the hearing, which is a week from today." Ryan was flipping to the picture of Zarek as he talked. He held the phone up so he was looking at the picture of Zarek and Jim's face at the same time. "I can definitely see a resemblance."
Jim looked at the photo. "He looks like my dad did when he married my mom. How old is he?"
"I believe he turned nineteen last April," Ryan responded.
"Hmmm, Mom and Dad got married twenty-two years ago. Do me a favor and send that photo to my phone. I want to ask my mom if she knows him," Jim stated.
"He'd like to meet you and your mom, too."
Ryan went in the house. Zac got Joe and they headed home while Jim headed for the dojo. Dusty headed to drop Cheyenne and Uncle Darry off, then meet Jim at the dojo.
Zarek was talking to Colt, "I have one rule, if you obey that rule, we'll get along fine."
"What is it?" Colt asked a little nervous.
"You treat me and my property the way you want me to treat you. Want me to help you put your clothes away?" Zarek offered.
"So basically, your rule is the golden rule. I can handle that. As for my clothes, I don't have that much, two shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans and some socks and underwear," Colt said looking down a little embarrassed.
"That's it? You need more than that," Zarek said.
"I had more but this was all we could find," Colt said as he put his arms around Zarek and sobbed. Zarek wasn't sure what to do so he put his arms around Colt and patted his back.
"I think we're going shopping tomorrow after our meeting with Ryan's paralegal. We'll get you a suit and shirt for court plus whatever other clothes you want," Zarek offered.
"You serious? But what happens if they send me back to live with her?" Colt started shaking just from the thought of it.
"Ryan's really good, so I doubt you'll be going back. If however, that slim chance does happen, I'll hang on to everything for you until you're ready for it."
"Why are you doing this? You don't even know me and I already feel more love from you than my own family," Colt said as he wiped his eyes.
"The easy answer is, I treat everyone as a friend until they give me a reason not to. But a more thorough answer is I see a young man who is full of hurt and pain. You are in need of knowing that someone will love you and respect you even though you may think that you haven't earned it from them yet," Zarek said smiling. Colt continued to cling on to him and enjoy the hug being returned.
Jim got home from martial art practice. He pulled out his phone and opened the picture that Ryan sent him. "Mom, do you know who this is?" Jim said handing his phone to her.
She looked at the picture and smiled, "That's Zac." As she handed the phone back, Jim noticed that the picture had changed to one of Zac. He was glad that it wasn't the one he snapped of Zac in the shower. He flipped back to the picture of Zarek and made sure he didn't actually flip it again.
"Sorry, I meant this guy," Jim said handing his phone over again.
"Where'd you get this picture of your dad and why haven't I seen it before?" Heather asked.
"Ryan took the picture today. That's not Dad," Jim stated. "His name is Zarek, Zarek Bolt."
"Ryan scheduled a meeting for me with him. I was wondering if he was any relation. Now I know there has to be. I'll be meeting with him and Colt for lunch tomorrow," Heather said.
Heather met with Zarek and Colt at Wyoming Ribs and Chop House. "Nice to meet you, Colt. Ryan said that you really enjoyed it here yesterday. Order whatever you want."
"Thank you, Ma'am," Colt said politely.
"Please, you can call me Heather. You needn't be so formal," Heather told him. Then she looked at Zarek and her heart ached a little for her husband. "Forgive me, but you look just like my late husband. His name was Jon Bolt," Heather explained.
"That's interesting. My grandparents were Jon and Brenda Bolt. Are they any relation?" Zarek asked.
"Jon's dad was named Jason, but I recall my husband saying that he was named after his dad's only brother. I believe that would have been your grandparents," Heather explained.
"Well, that confirms it. My dad was named Jason after his only uncle. Did you know that my grandfather and Great Uncle Jason had married a set of twins? After they married, my grandfather moved to Cheyenne, so we kind of lost touch with the rest of the family," Zarek explained.
"That explains why you look so much like Jon," Heather said with a tear in her eye. "So, how did you meet Ryan?"
"I started a computer network business. While I was setting the server up at the firm he was at, most of the lawyers were jerks but Ryan was an intern and we talked. He took me to lunch and we became instant friends. He's even had me at the house to meet his partner."
"Jackson is a great man," Heather said, then she focused her attention on Colt during the rest of the meeting. "We'll need to meet every day so I can help you prepare for court. We can meet here or if you prefer someplace else?"
"Here is good," Colt said with a smile.
"Just make sure you order whatever you want. Don't even worry about the price. Ryan presented what evidence he had to the other partners and they said to make sure you were well taken care of and spare no expense to make sure you were safe," Heather stated. Looking at the boy, she thought, "How could anyone be so cruel to such a sweet looking young man."
As the week went, Colt was happier than he had been in a long time. Heather had been spending time with him preparing him for what questions he might be asked by his mother's lawyers. She told him that no matter what they asked, be honest, keep your answers short, and don't get upset.
Monday morning, Ryan and Colt sat at one table. Mrs. Browning and her lawyer sat at the other. Jackson and the rest of Ryan's witnesses sat in the gallery. Ryan called Colt to the stand. As he walked up, Mrs. Browning stood up. "You better not fucking lie about me you worthless piece of shit," she yelled.
The judge rapped his gavel several times. "Ma'am, I will not allow such outbursts in my courtroom and please watch the language."
"You think just because you're a judge that you are better than me? I'll have you know that I am just as good as you are. That is MY son. He may be a good for nothing fucking piece of trash, but he is MY son, not yours. And if you think for one second that you can take him away from me, you better fucking think twice," Mrs. Browning was yelling while the judge kept rapping his gavel waiting for her to stop talking.
"Ma'am, based on what I saw here, I could easily make my decision without any witnesses. Either sit down and shut up or I will find you in contempt. One more outburst and you will be sitting in a cell while these proceedings continue."
"Fuck you!" Mrs. Browning yelled.
"Ma'am, I find you in contempt of court. Bailiff, escort the la.," the judge started to call her a lady but thought better of it. "Ummm, Mrs. Browning to a cell. One thousand dollar fine to get out or seven days," the judge ordered.
Mrs. Browning yelled and screamed as the bailiffs cuffed her, then escorted her out of the courtroom. "Your honor, what you just saw was minute compared to what Young Master Colton Browning has been put through. I have several witnesses including Dr. Bear who are here to testify on his behalf," Ryan stated.
The judge looked at the lawyer now sitting alone where Mrs. Browning was. "In the interest of time, do you have any evidence to refute the scene that we just saw?"
"No your honor. I think Mrs. Browning just threw everything we had out the window," the lawyer stated.
"And who is the current guardian of this young man?" the judge asked.
Zarek stood up, "That would be me, your honor."
"Are you prepared to continue taking care of this young man, long term?"
"Yes sir, I am; however, if you would rescind the restraining order that Mrs. Browning has against Jackson Sprayberry, he and his partner, would love to take him into their home," Zarek stated. "If they could, they'd be willing to adopt him."
"Well, I'd have to see the restraining order before I could say I would rescind it completely." Jackson stood up holding the restraining order in his hand. The judge asked the bailiff to bring it up. After scanning the restraining order, the judge said, "Mr. Sprayberry, I won't rescind this, you are to stay fifty yards from Mrs. Browning's family." Jackson and Colt both looked down. "That being said, I don't believe that pertains to Master Colton Browning as she is no way a mother to him. I am rescinding her and her husband's parental rights."
"What does that mean?" Colt asked.
"Colton, that means as of right now, you are a ward of the state. I grant physical custody to Mr. Sprayberry and if he wishes to pursue adoption, he may," the judge explained.
"Your honor, isn't that a bit drastic?" Mrs. Browning's lawyer asked.
"Drastic? That woman needs serious help. This young man will be an adult before I'd ever consider letting her have custody."
Colt ran over and hugged Jackson. "Does that mean I can come live with you?"
"It sure does. We'll go out and celebrate, then you and Zarek can gather your things and come to the ranch. Where would you like to go?" Jackson said smiling.
"Anywhere but where we've been eating. I think I'm getting steaked out." Colt stated. Everyone laughed.
"I'm in the mood for Chinese," Zarek suggested.
"Chinese sounds good," Colt agreed.
"Chinese it is, then," Jackson said.
Zarek hugged Colt, "I'll miss having you around, but you are welcome to visit whenever you want. And once I bring my horse from Cheyenne, I know where I want to stable it."
"I'll make sure to take special care of it for you," Colt said with a huge grin.
"I'm sure you will," Zarek said giving Colt another hug.
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