My long-range forecast -- chapter 39
Hello to all Nifty readers. I continue to rewrite and write more chapters of this story and I'm seeking any suggestions, constructive criticms or positive feedback you have about the story. Please send information to cjwilson328@aol.com. For those if you who have already reached out to me - my thanks! I'm working your ideas into future storylines.
CJ shares his traumatic experience with Wally, Alex and Aaron. Everyone is extremely upset with the news, and CJ realizes he needs to help them all to get through the news with him.
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I brought myself together, changed my clothes, went into the bathroom and washed my face off. I know it didn't hide that I had been crying, but it made me feel better. I went back out to the kitchen and filled a glass with ice. I filled half of the glass with my favorite bourbon, and then filled the rest with ice tea.
I joined everyone else on the patio and gave the best smile that I could. They were talking about bathrooms, and Aaron and Bailey were engrossed in the conversation. The plumber Scott said "with what all you have shared with me on the two bathrooms, I believe we can complete them both for $12,000. The second bathroom is the more expensive of the two as we will need to adjust some of the plumbing currently in there to match what has already been done in the master bathroom. If this figure interests you, I will have you go to a bath supply store and look at samples of what all we will need to complete the job. I will work with the store and figure up final costs including the materials and labor. After I have the completed figures, we'll reconvene, agree on the cost estimates and determine a start date. How does this sound gentlemen?" Aaron looked at Bailey and said "based on what you heard, do you have any concerns and do you think we should go look at samples?" Bailey smiled at Aaron and said "yes, my love, let's go look at samples and see where we will be at with the final costs. I am not surprised with the $12,000 and I think we should proceed." Scott smiled and said "Wonderful! Here is the name and address of the store. I have written down what all you will need to pick out and they will assist you at the store. You need to call them in advance and set up an appointment for someone to work with you."
The discussion shifted to the patio bar next. Scott said "by using the water and catch lines on the north wall, we can do the work for $1,500. This includes the work to access the water and catch lines, the plumbing supplies needed, a sink and the hardware for the sink. This does not include any bar or cabinet materials. I can recommend a store for the bar materials, or you can purchase items on your own. Amazon has a nice supply of custom bars, and if you know of anyone handy it's possible they can do the work for you to finish off the bar and cupboards around the sink. If you're interested in this, we can begin the work next week. It should not take us more than one week to complete the work." Bailey looked at Aaron and said "I think this one is a no brainer baby, do you agree?" Aaron smiled and said "yes Bailey, let's go ahead and do this one." Scott said "fantastic gentlemen, if I can get you both to sign this work order we'll call this done, and I'll call you with our start date information." Bailey and Aaron signed the work order, and the discussion concluded. Bailey and Aaron were ecstatic with their news, and now I have to bring their mood back down to inform everyone of my news today. Ah well, there's always some bad news along with the good news.
Aaron walked everyone out to the door and returned to the patio. Wally said "guys, I cannot believe how you lucked out on the patio bar! I was concerned with that job the most. I think you're making a wise investment for $1,500." Alex chimed in and said "yes, I agree. We can look for bar supplies together, and perhaps Wally and I can do some of the work for you. I was able to build the kegerator cabinet for CJ. I'm picturing the same type of cabinet with the sink replacing the kegerator against the wall. You can find a bar that you like and set it out three to four feet to allow access behind it. That can be used for storage of liquor and supplies. I've seen plenty of good ones on Amazon, and the area patio stores have bars for purchase. We may want to start there looking at examples once the sink is in." Wally continued and said "the price to complete both bathrooms the way you want to is reasonable also. If you're comfortable with the price, I'd suggest doing the changes now so that you can enjoy them yet this year."
Bailey smiled and said "everyone, thank you for taking charge without me today. I am pleased with the progress, and like the direction which has been established. As you know, there was an emergency at the station which I needed to get under control. Unfortunately, the emergency involved CJ and I'm glad I went there to assist him with a traumatic event he and several others encountered this morning." I'm not sure whose face turned paler between Wally and Alex. They both grabbed me and Wally said "baby, are you okay? What happened?" Alex broke down in tears and said "CJ, please talk to us and let us know what happened?" I began to tear up as Alex was talking to me. I faced Bailey and said "first everyone, I am fine and everyone I was with is fine also. I'm still very shaken by what happened today, and you all need to hear the story for your safety in the near future here at the complex." By this time, Alex was balling uncontrollably, and Aaron joined in as well. I went in and got a box of tissues for all of us. When I returned, I asked Bailey "will you mind giving the history of what happened five years ago, and how it re-appeared today?" Bailey smiled at me and said "of course I will CJ."
Bailey started by saying "Five years ago, Vicki Lake started at the station. Shortly after her employment she was stalked by a man named Jasper Jeffers. The stalking increased, and eventually Vicki had to obtain a restraining order against Jeffers. He eventually made several more mistakes, and ended up going to prison. Jeffers was released six weeks ago from a correctional facility in northern Florida. No one was aware that he came back to the St Petersburg area."
Bailey took a sip of my drink and said "sorry CJ, my mouth was getting dry! I'm usually not a bourbon drinker, but you're getting me hooked with your bourbon teas! Today, the station received a threatening letter which eventually made its way to Betty our Community Relations Director. She opened the letter and recognized it as a similar letter to what Jeffers used on Vicki five years ago. Today's letter said that harm will come to CJ as he got Vicki fired from the station. Betty called me and when I heard this, I wanted to get in front of CJ to explain the letter and the story behind it. Unfortunately, while Betty and I were waiting for CJ and the group to return from Cecilia's, CJ met Jeffers face to face. Do you want me to continue CJ, or do you want to describe the encounter?" I said "I'll go on from here Bailey."
I took a drink and said "Angela, Jennifer, Nick, Ross and I went to breakfast. We had left Cecilia's to go to the news van and head back to the station. I was walking with Jennifer ahead of the other three. A man jumped out in front of us with the evilest green colored eyes I have ever seen in my life. He has bleached white hair also. I asked him to move so that we can get to our van, and he got right into my face and threatened me for taking his Vicki away. He produced a knife and said he will hurt me for what I've done to Vicki. I took the lid off my coffee, threw the coffee in his face and attempted to grab the knife away from him. We wrestled and he slipped away from me as I fell to the ground. He took off running down the alley and we lost track of him."
I took another drink and said "before I continue, does anyone have any questions?" Wally was still tearing up and said "sweetheart, are you sure you're okay? He did not stab you with the knife, did he?" I smiled at Wally and said "no, I am alright. No one was injured by the knife. The only casualty today was my suit, but I can replace that!" We all got a needed tension breaker laugh out of that.
Bailey smiled at me and said "you take a rest CJ, I'll finish off. By the way, this bourbon tea is excellent! Do you mind if I take another drink before finishing?" I cracked up and said "let's kill the glass boss! Maybe after this story, my stud muffin will mix us up a batch of his bourbon specials as I think we're all going to need a drink or two." Bailey said "the group got back to the station and we traded stories. A decision was made to contact the police detective who handled Vicki's case. He obtained a current police report on Jeffers and came over to the station with several other police officers. Everyone's statement was taken, and the police identified that Jeffers fingerprints were on the letter. All five people identified Jeffers as the assailant, and it turns out he may have committed three robberies in the area over the weekend. The police have issued an arrest warrant for him, and now it's just a wait and see game until he makes his next move. The lead police detective is Darrell Fullinger and is doing a great job on the case. We informed all station associates this afternoon about Jeffers, since he may stalk someone else besides CJ. We brought copies of his picture for all of you as well. We all need to be cautious of our environment. If you see Jeffers, do not engage him, but immediately dial 911." Everyone picked up a copy of the picture and Alex said "I hate this mother fucker! No body messes with my friends or I will kick their ass!" I gave him a hug and said "I hate him to Alex. We're going to get through this fine."
The conversation continued and Wally said "can the police put any cars in front of the complex for extra protection?" Bailey said "I think they will agree to it if Jeffers is spotted in the area. We don't know where he is at now, so it's best to keep all police on their regular routes looking for him. Detective Fullinger said CJ should consider always being in a group versus alone in the near future. He also suggested that CJ should carry a whistle and use it if he sees Jeffers approaching him." Alex said "I have several whistles in my workshop that I've taken away from kids at the pool. I'll sterilize one for you CJ and I want you to carry it with you every where until this son of a bitch is caught."
Aaron took both of my hands and said "CJ, I'm so thankful you are okay and he did not hurt you today. I want you to be safe, and I will find someone else to do the readings at dad's service on Friday." I looked at Aaron, rubbed my hand through his hair and said "my dear friend, thank you. I will be fine at your dad's service as I'll be surrounded by plenty of people. I'm not going to alter my life and stay sheltered because of this asshole! I need to be cautious, and trust me I will be. I had enough of him today to last a lifetime. I just want all of us to be aware of our environment in the near future. I am confident that Detective Fullinger and his staff will catch this asshole. I already promised Detective Darrell cigars and bourbon on the patio once Jeffers is caught! So you will all know, Detective Darrell will be receiving blow jobs from me only. I want everyone to promise to keep your hands off that beautiful man until I get through with him!"
Bailey cracked up, looked at me and said "I was wondering if you got a good look at him today and said WOOF to yourself?" I smiled and said "I said more than WOOF Bailey. I envisioned Wally and Darrell tag teaming me in the sling once Jeffers is apprehended." I turned to Wally and said "sorry dear. It's one of those look but don't touch fantasies. The detective is hot, and you will even be turned on by him. Alex, you will probably just orgasm right in front of him when he shakes your hand for the first time." Alex laughed and said "he's a real looker then?" I smiled and said "you will want to have his babies!" We all got another good laugh and I said "everyone thanks for your concerns. I'm fine, and I am not going to let Jeffers run my life. I will be careful, and I'm asking all of you to be careful as well. I want to continue with my daily routines, but I will always be on guard looking for that bleached white hair, green eyed son of a bitch!"
Alex said "Bailey, do you think I can make copies of this photo and post them in the complex? Perhaps we can add if you see this person, call the police immediately?" Bailey said "that's a good idea Alex. Let me call Darrell and make sure it's okay to do it. God knows in this day and age you can do something so simple, and violate someone else's civil rights!" Bailey said "I'll call him now" and went over to the television area.
Wally was still tearing up, and I placed my hand under his chin and lifted his head to face me. He smiled at me and said "I'm sorry babe, I just cannot believe what you and Bailey just told us. The thought of you being hurt just turns me cold inside. I don't want you to ever get hurt, and if this type of incident happens often at the station, I want you to quit."
I smiled at Wally and said "sweetheart, I am fine please believe me. Jeffers may never reappear again, or the police may catch him tonight. This incident could have happened in any business environment. I'm not going to change my life drastically to protect myself from this asshole. I firmly believe he will be caught, and we can put this behind us. I promise you Wally!" He wiped his tears away and said "I hear you CJ and am just overreacting at the news. I will be by your side until he is caught." Alex chimed in and said "I will too CJ. I can now use my karate on someone to kick their ass for you!" We both cracked up and I said "come on you three on your feet. I need a group hug with you. We're going to get through this together, and I promise I'll be fine. I have no plans to let a common thug take me away from all of you." We hugged and in a strange way I was feeling much better knowing I was consoling my circle of influence to help them process what happened to me today.
Bailey joined us back at the table and said "Darrell said we can post this and just add to call the police if this individual is seen near or in the complex." Alex said "good, I will go make copies now and post them in the common areas as well as the announcement boards on each floor." He grabbed one of the copies, and had a determined look on his face to complete a mission. I do feel bad for Jeffers if he ever meets Alex face to face. I now see anger in Alex's face which is something new in our relationship. I know how he feels about me and I do believe if anyone tries to hurt me, he will take revenge on them.
Alex added a comment at the bottom of the report saying "If you see this person in the complex or near it, call the Police Department immediately." He posted a number of copies throughout the complex, and returned to the condo. He told us what he had done and asked "CJ, is there anything else you need right now?" I looked at everyone and said "yes, this may sound strange, but I'm hungry and need some food soon." Everyone smiled and acknowledged they were hungry as well. No one felt like cooking and Bailey said "I need to get a shower and then I'll treat everyone to the Beachcomber or Mel's. It's CJ's choice today." Alex and Wally acknowledged they wanted a shower as well. Bailey said "let's all freshen up and meet back up here around 3:30?"
Bailey and Aaron went to their new place, and Alex went into his bathroom. I grabbed my man's hand and said "come on big guy, let's go make each other feel better." He smiled at me and said "I'm still trying to process everything my love, but maybe a shower with you will help me get out of my mood!" We went into our shower, and I began to perform my magic on Wally.
I was able to get Wally out of his mood and made him relax. We enjoyed our shower with plenty of body contact, kissing, embracing and just being relieved that we are still together. We dried each other off, changed into casual ware and went out into the kitchen area. Alex was sitting at the breakfast bar drinking a beer.
I put my hands on his shoulders and said "are you okay my friend?" He smiled at me and said "I cannot believe you are so calm about this CJ. I'm raging inside, and I want to hurt him for what he's done to you!" I turned Alex's face to me and said "Alex, I'm fine. I'm still pissed that this has happened, but I need you to stand by me. I'm channeling my negative energy elsewhere, and I want you to do the same. It's not good for any of us to be stewing in negative thoughts. Let's focus our energy on positive items and soon Jeffers will be apprehended and put away from all of us." Alex smiled and said "you make it sound so simple CJ. I will try my best for you, but I'm still mad." Wally came up on the other side of him, leaned into him and said "I'm mad as hell too my friend! Let's follow our leader though. We need to be strong for him, as he is being strong for all of us. We'll get through this together Alex." Alex smiled at both of us and said "okay you two. I will try my best for all of us."
Bailey and Aaron returned holding hands. I can tell that Bailey has found happiness, and Aaron is falling madly in love with Bailey for being his rock during these hard times for him. Bailey said "what sounds good CJ?" I smiled and said "I have two things I want to suggest for the afternoon. First, can we go to the patio store where I saw the table, chairs and barstools? I want to show you two what I found, and we can look at their bar sets while we're there. After that, how does Mel's sound for everyone?" Bailey said "I like both of those ideas CJ. I'll drive gentlemen."
We went to the patio store first. I showed Aaron and Bailey the dining set model I found. Aaron smiled and said "Bailey this is beautiful, and it looks like the one internet display we were both gravitating to." Bailey said "I know babe. I love the color now that I see it in person. It's exactly what we were talking about, and will give us that beach look we're desiring!" Aaron said "How about if I purchase this outfit once the life insurance on dad arrives? You're already spending money for the condo, and I want to contribute as well. The life insurance should be here early next week, and I know that dad would have liked this set for us as a house warming gift." Bailey gave him a hug and said "I love it baby, and I agree that we should purchase it next week when you are able to. Let's go check out some bars now."
We navigated toward the outdoor bar displays. The store had a number of different display models, and had a catalog of other bar sets which can be ordered. Aaron said "okay guys, give me your honest opinion of which bar I look best behind as I'm making drinks for my daddy and me." I looked at Bailey who had a huge ass smile on his face and was now blushing on Aaron's comments. I'm so happy for both of them, and I want to get Bailey drunk sometime and ask him how the sex is between them? I also plan on doing the same with Aaron! Bailey and Aaron both liked one particular bar set which was done in that blue/grey beach theme with a metal and wood front. Alex commented "that will look great guys with a cabinet behind it. Does it have enough storage for you underneath? The both chimed in "yes". Bailey jumped in behind the bar with Aaron and said "someone grab a picture of us two!" Wally, Alex and I all took pictures of them. Our time at the patio store was fun for all, and slowly the news of the day was being channeled into positive energy for all of us.
Bailey and Aaron checked on the supply of both items. The dining set and barstools do need to be special ordered, but they had plenty of the bars in stock. Aaron took a barstool over to the bar, and it was a very good match! He then said "Bailey, what about the dining set as is with three barstools for the breakfast bar, and add on two more barstools in front of this bar?" Bailey said "you've been hanging around CJ too long. I love both combinations sweetheart, and everything looks great!" Aaron asked the clerk "how much of a deposit is needed to order the dining set, five barstools and the bar?" The clerk said "we can begin the order with $100 deposit sir." Aaron said "done, here is my card for the deposit, and please write up the sale. I'll be in next week to pay the remainder, and schedule delivery." The clerk smiled and said "great, if we place the order today, everything will be in next Wednesday." Aaron finished the sale while Bailey looked on proudly! I walked over to him and said "hey daddy, quite the son you have there!" Bailey smiled and said "he sure is CJ, and I'm falling more in love with him each day. I can't believe this old geezer is lucky enough to have such a handsome stud son hanging around. I hope we're together forever!"
Aaron finished up the order, approached me, gave me a hug and said "thanks for suggesting this today! I love everything I just bought, and it was good to get us all here and focus on something else today. You're the best CJ!" I smiled and said "I'm so glad you like the dining room outfit and the bar. I thought it screamed Aaron and Bailey when I found it. Now, let's go eat as I'm starved!"
Our group went to Mel's and we got a great table overlooking the gulf. Everyone ordered a beer, except for Bailey who wanted a bourbon ice tea! He looked at Wally and me and said "you two are going to make me a bourbon drinker, aren't you?" Wally gave me a high five and I said "yes, our mission is almost complete." Bailey cracked up and said "this is a nice change, but I still will require Alex to make me those vodka lemonades!" Alex grinned and said "I'll never let you stop drinking those, Bailey."
Our conversation flowed well, and the tension from the day was drifting away. We had several appetizers, and each of us enjoyed a sandwich. Soon the tears from earlier in the day were changed into laughter as five friends enjoyed themselves against the beautiful Gulf of Mexico setting. After we finished the meal Alex said "I'm going to place a to go order for Ronny. Does anyone mind waiting a little longer?" We all acknowledged it was not a problem and continued on with lively discussion about numerous topics.
Bailey got us back to the condo and I said "does anyone want to watch the news with me to see that handsome sports anchor?" All acknowledged yes, and we had about ten minutes until the 6:00 pm show started. Wally made Bailey a bourbon tea, and got the remainder of us a beer before we sat down to watch the news. Aaron looked at Bailey and said "now that we know the bar is going on the north end of the patio, let's plan our tv and setting area on the south end." Bailey smiled, gave Aaron a kiss and said "sounds like a wonderful idea son, let's do it!" I gave Alex and Wally each a wink, and we all smiled in sheer delight for the happiness we are witnessing in Aaron and Bailey.
The news started and Mitch went straight into the St Petersburg in sixty. I was shocked to see the top story being about Jeffers, but I remember Mitch asking the question if we can do a story on him. Once all the introductions were complete, Mitch went into the story and said "In tonight's top story, we want to alert the public to a suspect who has an arrest warrant issued for him. Jasper Jeffers, shown in the picture, is suspected to have committed three robberies and threatened five members of the channel 2 staff today. The police are aware that Jeffers is in possession of a knife, but are unsure if he has any other weapons in his possession. St Petersburg police detective Darrell Fullinger advises the public to not engage Jeffers if they witness him, but rather contact the police department directly or contact 911 immediately. In other news today...". Bailey said "good, I'm glad they led in with that story. We'll get this mother fucker captured guys!"
We finished the local news and watched the national news. Shortly before 7:00, Ronny entered and saw that we were on the patio. He came out to the patio, pulled me out of my chair, gave me a hug and kiss and said "I couldn't do that earlier today at the station, but are you sure you're okay CJ? I was thinking about you all afternoon my friend!" I smiled, ruffled his hair and said "I'm okay Ronny. The stress from the day is now turning into positive energy for me. I will heed the warnings of the police department and always be in a group of people in the near future. This asshole will not disrupt my life, and I plan on going to work tomorrow morning." He said "okay CJ, but please if you need one more day to come down, take it." I smiled and said "I am good my friend, and want to continue on with my normal routines. Jeffers will slip up, and the police will get him. Help me to be strong my friend, and I'll be strong for all of you in return."
Alex got up and gave Ronny a hug and kiss. He said "we went to Mel's today, and I have some food for you that I'll reheat when you're ready." Ronny said "thanks babe. I'm going to go and change, then we'll reheat it and you can split it with me." I turned to everyone and said "I'm going to turn in everyone as the day is catching up with me. Please enjoy your evening though and I'll see everyone tomorrow." Wally stood up and said "I'm going to turn in also. I need to be at work early tomorrow, and the news of the day has exhausted me." We both gave hugs to everyone; I programmed the coffee maker for 1:45 am and we went into the bedroom. I closed the curtains, turned back to my man and said "sweetheart, will you make love to me tonight then hold me all night? I need you baby." Wally came up to me, hugged and kissed me and whispered to me "why do you think I'm here with you now? I don't have to be at work early, but I want to hold you and make you relax tonight sweetheart. We began undressing, and Wally pulled me down onto the bed for a passionate evening before turning in for some sleep.