MICHAEL & ROBERT
By Trevor Johnson
Chapter Twenty Five
This story is a spin off from the adventures of Cliff & Derek. Michael you may recall was responsible for putting Cliff in hospital with some horrific Injuries. Here we tell you his story.
Michael turned over a new leaf was forgiven by Cliff and met his life time lover Robert and between them established Britain's most successful plumbing business.
We couldn't sleep in next morning because we had to arrange everything for the party, in fact it was just after breakfast that the caterers arrived, complaining about the security they had to go through before they could start work, plus all their boxes of crockery and cutlery were searched for weapons and explosives. We asked for fireworks, but Steve only allowed those if they were assembled in the park opposite to make sure there was no danger to any of us. This whole assassination threat had everyone taking no chances at all.
Once all the phone calls, invites and organization had been done we all kept out of the way. Ferdy and David disappeared wanting to be on their own and the other two boys just sat around watching television.
I sensed that Serge and Miguel were just a little bit jealous that Ferdy had scored a boyfriend and they hadn't. I mentioned this to Robert and we both joined the boys in the lounge room to talk to them.
"Boys, we've noticed that the two of you aren't very happy that Ferdy as a boyfriend and you haven't. You must understand that he got lucky finding someone he liked who also liked him."
The boys nodded their heads but still looked sad.
"It will happen to you two I'm sure but maybe not right away. You should feel happy for Ferdy that he found someone, but please don't feel jealous or upset that you didn't. Just be patient and understanding."
"We understand senor dads but right now we miss our friend Ferdy, yet we feel happy for him at the same time. In the meantime we will have to be content to play with each other until we find someone else."
Robert and I burst out laughing at Serge's remarks which upset the boys because they were deadly serious. When we noticed the sad looks our laughter had produced we apologized.
"Sorry boys we shouldn't have laughed it was just the way you explained it Serge. We love you all so very much and want you to be happy which is a bit difficult for all of us at the moment after what happened."
Both boys came and sat on our laps with their arms around us resting their heads on our chests.
"We are sorry we have caused you all this trouble senor dads, we love you for all you have done for us and thank you so very much."
They both hugged us and just lay still in our arms for quite a while in fact I think we all had a little sleep until Shirley knocked on the door to tell us that some of our guests were starting to arrive.
I know we had given Steve our security head the day off as well and hired independent security and police to look after us but he was still keeping a very close watch on whoever came through the door, after all we were expecting close to five hundred guests.
By now Ferdy and David had joined us waiting for David's father to arrive with a clean set of clothes for him. The three boys, Robert and I remained at the door greeting all of our guests as they arrived. Once again I marvelled at the impeccable manners the boys had, bowing and shaking hands politely with everyone.
Cliff's mother arrived along with his two sisters, the boys greeted here with lots of enthusiasm hugging and kissing her just as they would there own mother. I remarked to Robert just how pale and drawn she looked, not at all well.
I guided her over to a chair and called Betty over to chat and look after her. The band we had booked began playing, first of all background music and then dance music with several people taking to the floor. A series of long tables loaded with all kinds of food had been set up down one side of the big room so people could help themselves. Nathan, David's father introduced us to his partner Damien, Robert looked at me and winked because this guy was some hunk. About six foot with long dark brown hair and the sweetest grey come to bed eyes I had ever seen. His physique was a wonder to behold, not overly muscular, just right with not an ounce of fat. When they moved away I whispered to my sweetheart,
"When it comes to lovers Nathan has impeccable taste."
Robert kissed me gently on the lips whispering, "Jealous?"
As the afternoon wore on it looked like everyone that was going to come had done so and the party was getting into the swing of things, with people gradually allowing the strain and pressures of the past couple of days to ease.
We mingled, with Robert and I wandering around hand in hand which in some quarters of the room got a few hostile stares. Non heterosexual couples were still not being accepted by some.
Before things got too rowdy Robert said we should say a few words and we both made our way to the stage asking the band if we could use their microphone. Order was called for by the band leader and once everyone was quiet and paying attention Robert spoke.
"Michael and I would like to thank you all for coming and hope that we have cheered you up if only a little bit. What happened we will never forget and I'm afraid I must keep reminding you to be vigilant because we are told by the authorities that our enemies have not given up the fight. Much is being said and debated in the media about our actions in Spain and the question being asked, should we have rescued these three young boys? The answer to that is simple, YES no one should have to live the life those three had to lead in Spain and Michael and I have no regrets whatsoever regarding our actions and what it took to bring those dear boys, our new sons back to England. We just wish that we had been able to bring more than three with us. I can tell, looking around the room that some of you disagree, that because of our actions we have put many lives in danger and for that we are deeply sorry even more sorry that one young man had to lose his life in the process of guarding us and the boys. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and young children who, has Michael remarked at the press conference will be looked after but that will not bring back a husband and a father. We repeat what we said several days ago to our employees, if you don't feel that you can stay in our employment under the threat of more trouble and possible danger we will not hold it against you if you wish to leave and we will make sure you are amply rewarded and help you to secure another suitable position. Thank you all for your support and assistance over the past few days I know that some of you haven't had any sleep for a long time. God bless you all and we will continue to fight to protect you and keep you in full employment for a long time to come."
He stepped back and at first there was only a smattering of applause which gradually increased but I noticed several groups not happy with the speech at all.
The dancing continued until it was time for the fireworks and everyone was invited to go to the windows overlooking the park. The display had cost us a lot of money but was well worth it, lasting for more than twenty minutes. I noticed our three boys had a good view and were enthralled by the display. Clapping and laughing as each explosion lit up the sky. I pointed them out to my lover and we enjoyed watching their happy faces more than we did the actual fireworks.
Once it was all over people began coming up to thank us before taking their leave, until only the residents of the new residential block were left. We gathered them around us and opened several bottles of vintage champagne we had bought for this special occasion. Although they didn't live in Betty and Bill were included.
Again Robert made the speech.
"I hope today's activities cheered you all up a bit and may I formally welcome you to your new home. Thank you Steve and your security people for a fine job and also our people who worked hard to get the accommodation ready so quickly. Finally I would like to propose a toast to our new home and to the wonderful, caring people who will be living here."
Everyone raised their glasses, (we even allowed the boys to have a small amount in the their champagne glasses which made them feel very important and proud to be part of the group) and drank a toast. Steve then stepped forward calling for quite,
"I would like to propose a toast to two of the finest young men, who I count as not just my employers but my friends. What they did in Spain was without doubt a most heroic and brave thing. I admire them and love them." He couldn't continue because he was getting choked up with emotion, so Paul his partner finished the toast to Robert and me.
Everyone settled back to enjoy a few more drinks and looking around I was amazed at the number of gay people we had on the staff. I pointed out to Robert that apart from ourselves we had Steve and Paul, Tony and Trent. While not living in but part of the team was our solicitor John and his partner, Nathan and Damien and I'm sure I have missed a couple. Robert then pointed out that we have several friends the same as us, like Cliff and Derek, Peter and Steve, Ian and HRH to name just three.
It was getting late and I noticed the boys getting sleepy so I suggested they go to bed. Ferdy's boyfriend David had gone home with his father leaving Ferdy looking a bit sad. Anyway the boys went round the room kissing everyone goodnight, leaving us till last. They kissed us both in turn, once again trying to get their tongues into our mouths but not succeeding. Playfully I lightly spanked them on the butt before sending them off to bed telling them that Robert and I will be in later to tuck them in and make sure they are all right.
By now everyone else started to head for their rooms and the ever vigilant Steve and some of his crew headed downstairs to make sure the building was secure and all the downstairs offices were safe.
Hand in hand we headed for our bedroom calling in on the boys on the way. Opening their door quietly we saw all three boys curled up together in the one bed arms around each other. They looked so contented and peaceful. I don't know if it was the champagne or not but I began quietly crying feeling very emotional towards these three Spanish angels of ours. Robert also with tears in his eyes led me by the hand to our own room. We undressed, got between the sheets lying in each other's arms for once feeling contented and happy with the world and trying not to think that tomorrow we had the funeral of our dead security guard to go to. Sleep overtook us quickly and we slept soundly all night.
Next morning we awoke when three young Spanish boys bounced on top us kissing us good morning. We both had morning `woody's' and tried hard to hide them from the boys who love making fun of such things, but all to no avail. Serge grabbed mine as it poked up under the sheet saying,
"Look what I've found." All three laughed like crazy especially when Miguel grabbed Robert's and began pushing it from one side to the other.
"It's a new springy toy."
He yelled and more raucous laughter followed. Neither of us could keep a straight face as we rolled onto our sides facing each other trying so hard not to laugh. "Oh look." Said Serge, "Now they're going to kiss, I feel sick."
"Please boys stop it, it's wrong what you're doing so stop it and behave yourselves."
I said, trying so hard to be stern. "Go get dressed and get ready for breakfast please."
They went bounding out of the room yelling and laughing so happy. While it was wonderful to see it was affecting our private life. Reaching over we kissed each other good morning making sure that no one was in the room. Laughing I said, "Good morning lover." He answered in the same manner as we moved closer rubbing our protruding body parts against each other's.
"You know we haven't got time for anything this morning and any minute now those three hyperactive Spaniards are going to come racing back in to see if we are up and by up I mean out of bed not the other one."
Robert laughed and mumbled something about it will have to keep.
We washed, dressed and headed in for breakfast, were the boys had already sat down and were tucking in to bacon, eggs, fruit juice and toast.
Steve and Peter came in to join us closely followed by Tony and Trent. After the usual good mornings and kisses all round for everyone we all settled down to eat.
Steve reminded us that the funeral of Alan the murdered security guard was at ten am. "Are you taking the boys to the funeral?"
Steve asked. I looked at Robert and shrugged my shoulders.
"To be quite honest we hadn't thought about it." Robert told him.
Steve thought for a minute before replying,
"If I was you I would leave them at home this time. His wife is very upset calling it a wasted life which wouldn't have happened if you hadn't rescued the boys, so maybe they should be kept out of sight today."
"Yes, you're probably right; we don't want to upset her any more than she already is."
Looking thoughtful Robert continued were I had left off,
"Do you think we should stay away as well, except that we were his boss's so we should be there for him and his family?"
"Yes you two must be at the funeral, it would make matters worse it you stayed away, but keep the boys at home."
I turned to the boys who had been listening intently and were now looking puzzled and sad.
"Boys, you must try to understand that the lady who lost her husband is sad and unhappy and is blaming Robert, me and you boys for us bringing you back to England. If we hadn't her husband and her children's father would still be alive, so it is better that you boys stay home out of the way for the time being. Do you understand that?"
"Yes senor dad's we are so very sorry for this lady and her children and would like to say this to her but if you say for us to stay away then we will."
We got up, giving the boys a kiss and a cuddle telling them how much we loved them. Robert and I left the table to go and get ready for the funeral. As we were changing into dark suits and black ties I remarked to my lover that I didn't really want to go to this funeral.
"Me neither." Robert replied. Natalie knocked on the door to tell us that the car was ready and waiting. Telling her we wouldn't be long we hugged each other for a moment to give us both the courage to walk out the door. Our security was waiting at the lift and we walked in hand in hand thinking this is the first time we have left the building since the press conference in front of our bombed house. The lift took us right down to the basement were Natalie was waiting with the car. As the vehicle approached the automatic doors they opened and the first escort car went out first stopped so they could look around before signalling for us to follow. It was only a short drive to the church and he was going to be buried in the churchyard afterwards. The vicar greeted us at the door and was going to lead us down to the front but we told him that was the place for the grieving family and we would sit with the rest of our employee's midway down the aisle.
We were next to Bill and his wife with Shirley and her husband next to them. Just across from us was Cliff's mum. I had noticed standing right at the back of the church a large contingent of press and I beckoned Nathan over asking him quietly how we were going to handle the reporters.
"I suggest that you say nothing and leave the media to me, I don't think we should say anything at this time but I will tell them that we will be issuing a press release later today."
We both nodded in agreement. Finally Alan's wife and two tiny children along with what looked like the couple's parents. I called Steve over who was standing guard at the door to ask him what Alan's wife name was.
"Patricia, and the children are Alan junior and the baby is Dorothy."
I thanked him passing the news on to Robert, Bill and Shirley.
The service began, and all too soon it was time for everyone to follow the coffin out to the grave. We all stood around with heads bowed as he was lowered into the ground, then we all filed past throwing a piece of dirt onto the coffin. Robert broke down at that sound; I think it reminded him of his parent's funeral too much. I consoled him putting my arm around him when Alan's wife came up screaming at us.
"look at the two poofs who had my Alan murdered hanging onto each other like a couple of girls pretending it had nothing to do with them, My husband's blood will be on your hands for ever you couple of Nancy boys, you and your Spanish poofters should be in that hole not my darling Alan, my children have lost a father because of you I hope the Spanish get you next time and you rot in hell."
Just then Steve and a couple of others came to drag her away, but I indicated no. As she stood sobbing in front of me I quietly said.
"Patricia, if we could do anything to bring your husband back we would and we feel deeply sorry for you, Alan junior and Dorothy. You say we don't care but we do deeply care, we would like you to try and understand that we couldn't leave those three boys to a fate worse than death to be cruelly mistreated. All right we are different than other people it is part of our makeup and there is nothing either of us can do about it and the same goes for those boys. All three wanted to come today and say sorry to you personally because they do feel responsible. We realize that right now to you it doesn't seem fair that Alan died and not them or Robert or myself and when we first heard that he was dead we all felt the same way that we should have died in his place and deep down Robert and I do feel a deadness inside at your loss. Right now it is asking too much to ask for your forgiveness and understanding but maybe in the future ...."
For several moments she stood in front of us sobbing, tears were also rolling down my face and Robert was crying uncontrollably.
Patricia moved forward into my arms sobbing and crying saying,
"I'm sorry Michael please forgive me for saying those nasty things my Alan was doing a job for which he was being paid more than he ever did and he died on that job. I'm so sorry for carrying on the way I did."
"Patricia you don't have to apologize, you have just lost the man in your life, the father of your children, and you feel as if your world as come to an end and part of it has."
I continued to hold her while Shirley was holding on to Robert.
"Michael, Robert I hope that you will bring the boys along to see me and the children so they can speak their piece. From what Alan told me they are very kind, gentle and intelligent boys. What you did to save them was very brave and generous and I should never have used the words I did."
I held her for a while longer, before looking around and noticing that Nathan was having trouble holding the press at bay so I suggested that we all go into the large marquee we had erected at the side of the church and have a cup of tea or something stronger. Still hanging on to Patricia we shuffled forward towards the tent. A woman who looked very much like Patricia but older came up and I assumed it was her mother,
"Thank you sir I'll look after Patsy if you like."
She took over from me guiding her to a seat inside the tent while I put my arm around Robert so he could continue to sob on my shoulder instead of Shirley's. We sat down and I asked the waiter for a couple of brandy's which I thought would do more good than tea or coffee. A lot of people were hovering around us looking concerned and I was wishing they would go away. I caught Steve's eye and he got the message gently moving everyone away and putting a ring of security around us so I could settle Robert down.
"I'm sorry darling." He sobbed, "But seeing that dirt falling on the coffin brought back memories of mum and dads funeral and I'm sorry I lost it." "That's all right baby, I understand, just remember I will always be here for you." He leaned in and kissed me before continuing, "What you said to Patricia was wonderful. I heard most of it and it was lovely and calming."
Before he could say anything else I moved in to kiss him again and soon he began to act like his normal self.
Once Robert was over the trauma of the casket going into the ground we began circulating and met Alan's parents. Offering our condolences we were surprised that they accepted us, thanking both of us for the help we were giving Patricia and the children.
"Alan was a fine son who worked hard at finding a job and he was so happy when he got taken on by your company, he had nothing but praise for you two and admired what you did to save those boys."
His father said,
"I'm sure that he's looking down on us now keeping watch and hoping that nothing more is going to happen to you or the boys."
Once again tears formed in our eyes and we thanked them for their kind words. By now people were beginning to drift away so we said our goodbyes, thanking Nathan for his handling of the media.
"No problem. By the way I hope you don't mind but I dropped David off at your place to stay with the guys and I'll call round and pick him up as soon as I get away from here."
We assured him that was no problem as we made our way back to our car. Back home we travelled in the lift up to our apartment. The boys were nowhere around so we headed for their bedroom. The noises coming from behind the closed door were obviously those of four young boys enjoying some hot sex. Questioning I raised an eyebrow looking at Robert and mouthed that we should quietly move away. Back in our own bedroom I said,
"Are we doing the right thing allowing them to carry on like that?"
"I don't know what we should do. Morally it's wrong for us to encourage them but the way these boys are I don't think we should condemn them either."
"True, I think perhaps we should discuss this and include Nathan because his boy is also involved."
We left it at that and after a quick kiss and cuddle we headed to the dining room for afternoon tea both of us feeling a bit hungry having not had any lunch, plus the brandy on an empty stomach was beginning to have some effect. We'd just sat down to homemade jam, Scones and cream, when Nathan arrived. We invited him to join us and brought up the subject of the boys and sex. We told him what was going on right now in their bedroom asking if he had any advice.
"It's a tough call and frankly I don't know how to deal with it this is all new to me. My only concern is that they are safe and no one gets hurt."
We both agreed, before going down the corridor to their bedroom. It was still noisy and sounding sexy and Nathan remarked that the sounds were making him hot. I knocked on the door calling out that David's father was here. On the other side of the door we could hear frantic whispering and scurried movements, before the door was unlocked by Serge. Looking very guilty he said,
"Hello dads, we didn't expect you back so soon please come in." We walked in and immediately started laughing. The boys were sat around the bed with the monopoly board in the middle except the board was the wrong side up and money, cards and token were spread all over the place and just looking at the boys faces gave them away.
"What is so funny dads?" Serge asked. "I don't know where to start Serge, except to say you're not fooling anyone with the monopoly board." Robert continued were I left off being unable to keep a straight face. "We know what you've been doing boys, the noises were enough to give you away." David noticed his father standing there and got a scared look on his face.
"I think we need to have a little talk with the four of you, don't you agree?"
They all shrugged their shoulders saying nothing. We walked right in sitting on the bed with the four boys squatting on the carpet in front of us.
"For starters, we are not mad at you, but we do need you to understand that what you do in private has to be quiet. Anyone else walking past your door could get the wrong idea and be upset. Secondly, Robert, Nathan and I agree that you must always make sure that whatever you do everyone is happy with it and no one gets hurt. Please boys make sure you are careful with each other."
All three boys stood up and came to either sit on our laps or cuddle in close to us while David not sure what to do finally joined is father also sitting on his lap.
"We are sorry senor dads; we got carried away having lots of sexy fun."
"No need to apologize we are not angry with you, it's just that we want you to so very careful, we love you and don't want any of you to get hurt."
Nathan spoke quietly to his son, after all he was just learning all about sex and didn't quite know what his father was going to say and do.
"Damien and I look upon you as our son and I agree with everything that Michael as told you, so please be very careful."
We all sat around for a while longer chatting in general until Nathan announced it was time for them to go home. "Damien will have dinner cooked by now so we'd better go, Say goodbye to the boys David." He kissed Serge and Miguel gently on the lips before doing the same to Robert and me, leaving Ferdy till last. They went into a clinch which made us jealous with the kiss lasting a couple of minutes and would have gone on longer if Nathan hadn't given a discreet cough.
We headed to the elevator and just before the doors closed Robert said, "Why don't you all come to dinner tomorrow night, we haven't had the chance to chat to Damien and get to know him."
Nathan thanked us and said all right they would be here.
I spun round staring at Serge, ""Don't you dare open your mouth and say what you're thinking." Looking surprised and grinning all over his face, "How did you know what I was going to say dad?"
"I can read you like a book Serge; I know perfectly well you were going to make a smart comment about us inviting two hot studs to dinner so we could seduce them." Very quietly Robert whispered, "And he'll be right." The boys also heard him and we all burst out laughing.
Next morning it was back to work for everyone, business had slowed down considerably although the Channel Tunnel project will be a big help. We walked into the usual morning management meeting with Bill, Shirley, Paul our accountant and also Steve who needs to be kept up to date on all jobs which require security. The boys have still not returned to school but Robert and I thought they could start back tomorrow because they are bored sitting around the building all day with little to do.
Bill filled us on the full details of the tunnel job, while Shirley had a list of three jobs for us to tender for. All of them were close to home or further south, which Steve was happy with. Plus we still had a few local jobs to keep us going.
"All things considered were not in too bad a position." Bill pointed out. The meeting closed with all of us feeling a bit more contented than we were a few days ago. I phoned the headmaster at the boy's school to make sure it was all right for them to return to school.
"I can't see any problems with them coming back to school." He told us.
I explained that a couple of security people would have to be in the classroom all the time with the boys, in fact everywhere they go in the school. "Just having our people patrolling outside will I'm afraid not be enough from now on."
While he wasn't very happy with that arrangement he agreed to all our demands. We called Steve into our office telling him about the boys going back to school. He had a worried look on his face and we asked what the problem was.
"We have close to sixty security people on the payroll already and it looks as if we will have to recruit more. The cost is incredible plus the selection process to make sure no undesirables get in is time consuming. Also do you realize how much this is costing you?"
We admitted we had no idea, but expected it was a lot of money.
He continued,
"Plus when Alan got murdered we lost about a dozen who thought the job was too dangerous. Once our regular guys start taking annual holidays we will have the problem of finding reliefs for them."
"Carry on as you are for now Steve and don't worry about the cost or cut any corners. We'll look at this again and see what we can do, for example the security on the tunnel project is already in place provided by the parent company because of threats they have received, so maybe we won't require quite as many on that job."
We left it at that as we headed off to find the boys, who were in the lounge watching TV. We told them they would be going to school tomorrow and their eyes lit up. After dinner the boys went to bed early excited about school, while Robert and I enjoyed a quite drink with the other guys. Because the boys had school we postponed our dinner date with Nathan, Damien and David their son until the weekend. That night in bed we lay together happy to be in each other's arms. Sleep came quickly before we could muster up enough energy to make love, so that would have to wait.
Next morning the boys were up, ready bright and early really looking forward to going back to school. As always we had an escort of one car in front and one behind. Suddenly going down a steep hill a black car with tinted windows came flying out of a side street separating us from the lead car, while behind us another car also black with tinted windows pulled in right on our tail. Natalie told us to all get down as low as we could as the emergency code came through on the radio. Natalie wrenched the wheel around and darted down a side street while our escorts tried to ram the suspect cars. Looking back we noticed one of the cars still on our trail and getting closer. We began to wonder what's going to happen to us now.
Another cliff hanger, what's happening? Are Robert and Michael and the boys in mortal danger. Well you'll just have to wait for the next chapter. As always I would appreciate your thoughts and comments. Till next time,
trevorvj@optusnet.com.au