It took two days to answer all the email about part 18. Thanks to all again who offered imput on what to do about Nick.
Read on.... Love ya Nicky Stonewolf@angelfire.com www.stormloader.com/articwolf
Nick and Jonathan Part 19 Chapter One:
Nick rose up out of the sparkling waters of the bay like an Atlantian God. His smooth solid body tanned and a sharp contrast to the white shorts he wore neatly carved thru the wave to tackle Paul as it crested to drive them both under the water. Taking advantage of the momentary disorientation, Nick quickly pulled down and off the cargo shorts that Paul had been wearing and raced off a short distance before surfacing.
"Hey" said Paul as he broke the waters' surface. "Gimme those back"
"You gotta earn them" said Nick laughing. He broke around another wave and raced off in an racing stroke he had learned long ago through the water. His many years of being on swim teams and a lifeguard had made him feel like it was a second home in the water. He body surfed into the shore line and stood and walked out of the water to the sand still holding the confiscated shorts.
"Well?" said Nick with a smug look on his face. "Whatcha going to do?"
Paul came into shore and stopped just short of waist high waters. Debating what to do he looked up and down the shore. Nick had brought them to the secluded cove that Jonathan and he had first made love. Outside of their security escort which seemed to think the whole thing was funny and Mark, their concierge guide who was working on his sun tan and not paying attention, they had the place to themselves. After double checking he charged out of the water and up onto the beach. He chased Nick around for about 2 minutes before finally giving up and going back to the towels and collapsing on them. Not 30 seconds later he was hit in the nuts with his own wet shorts.
"Put those on dude" said Nick playfully. "There are laws about that ya know"
"Fuckin Wise Ass" said Paul putting the shorts back on.
The two boys had stopped off in one of the clothes shops up on the lobby level on the way out. If the word hadn't been spread about who Nick was, the four security agents would have given the secret away.
"Ah, Mr. Covington" said the store manager coming around the counter. "How may I help you this morning?"
Nick, embarrassed beyond belief, rolled his eyes briefly. "My friend here needs some clothes for the island"
Geoffrey Smythe, manager of the store looked over at Paul, gave him the once up and down, shuddered quietly to himself. "Ah yes" he replied. "I do believe we can take care of that. What does he have here other then the uhm.. jeans and t shirt advertising what appears to be sex on the beach?"
Paul blushed. He had forgotten about the logo on the shirt. It depicted a hurricane coming up to the shore and talking to a coconut tree saying "Hold on to your nuts baby, this isn't an ordinary blowjob"
"Nothing actually" said Nick. "It was kind of a last minute trip. Can you fix him up?"
"Of course." he replied
Shortly thereafter Paul walked out of the store looking more like a native then a college dude. Cargo shorts, boxers, sandals, and a yellow tee shirt underneath a floral printed shirt. The store manager had promised to send the rest down to the suite. As they walked to the waiting jeeps Paul turned to Nick.
"Dude, I can't let you pay for this man" he said. "I saw those price tags man. You just dropped like a 500 bucks on clothes for me"
"I know" said Nick, "Don't sweat it. Just go with the flow."
"Thanks" said Paul somewhat embarrassed. "So, what's with the escorts here.. I know you are rich and famous now and all but four body guards?"
"Rules of the game dude" said Nick, "Rules of the game"
Mark had proven to be a really cool dude. The same age as Nick and Paul. He was excited to be out of work for the day, getting paid for it and yet a little in awe of Nick. They were all soon at ease with each other though. Mark showing them down town areas and up into some of the more mountainous areas. They had stopped at a little place for lunch and then traveled down to the beach. Nick had remembered the place on the highway where he and Jonathan had stopped and made love. Now relaxing in the sun, the three boys were relaxing and talking. They were loosely surrounded by the four security agents.
"Can I ask you a question Nick?" asked Mark.
"Of course man" said Nick. "Go ahead"
"I don't mean to be nosy, but what's it like to be with Mr. Castleton?" asked Mark, an honest look on his face. "I mean he owns the freaking resort man, yet he is pretty young."
"Jon is cool" said Nick, animation coming to his face. "He is pretty normal type dude. He just decides what he wants to do and does it. We were in South Carolina a few days ago at home and he decided he wanted lobster for dinner. Next thing I know we are on board the jet for Boston to his favorite restaurant for lobster."
"Way Kewl man" said Mark. "Wish I could get on his staff. Bet it would be great. I mean I love this island, but I want to see more. Don't stand much chance of that though. David keeps on a pretty tight chain around the guests. We're always so damn busy."
"Maybe I can do something about that." said Nick. "I can ask Jon if there is anything open."
"Wow man thanks" said Mark. "So like what else do you guys want to see around the island man?"
"Is there like a golf course on this island?" asked Nick. "Paul and I used to play back in Colorado when the weather was good. Haven't played in like 6 months."
"Sure man" said Mark. "Mahogany Run is like 15 mins away. We can probably get out if you want; or we can play at the resort."
"Let's go" said Paul. "I've heard of Mahogany Run. It is supposed to be killer. Has three holes called the Devil's Triangle"
"Sounds more like the pussy you were fucking last month" said Nick laughing.
The security crew exchanged looks but didn't say anything. Protecting someone in the middle of a golf course wasn't the easiest thing. Not a lot of places to hide behind if someone starts shooting at you. Chris pulled out his cell phone and called back to Danny at the resort. He knew that Danny had been there but didn't say anything to Nick. Something was definitely brewing and would break soon. After a brief conversation his mood had obviously changed.
Nick walked next to Chris and noticed this.
"What's up man" said Nick. "Everything all right? You look like you are in a pissy mood all of a sudden"
"No problem Nick" said Chris, putting the cell phone back in his pocket. "Just a little warm out here with two shirts on. I called the hotel, they are making arrangements for you guys to go out and play."
"Kewl thanks man" said Nick running with Paul up to the jeep and jumping over the tailgate into the back.
Chris was relieved that Nick hadn't pressed the matter. After talking to Danny and being filled in on what was going on, he knew that he was going to have his hands full with Nick very very soon. Better to keep him occupied and away from the resort as long as possible. Chris got into the front passenger seat of the first jeep. The other three security agents trailed closely behind in the second jeep. Up into the mountains they went to the golf course.
Chapter Two:
Upon arrival, they were met and escorted to the pro shop.
"Good afternoon gentleman' said the man behind the counter. "How many of you will be playing?"
Before Nick could answer, Chris stepped forward. "The three of them will be playing but we have somewhat of a delicate situation " he said quietly. "The four of us need to be with them, so we will need a couple of extra carts."
Chris' tropical shirt had opened a little bit from the top, enough to show the leather of his gun harness. The pro shop manager lost some of his color beneath his tan.
"Ah yes sir" he replied. "You must be the group we were told to expect."
"Probably" said Chris. "The gentleman here" pointing at Nick "will be handling the charges"
"Very good sir" the man replied. "Let's see, that is four cart fees, three green fees, and three sets of rental clubs. Your total is $589.80 with tax."
Nick opened his wallet and couldn't help but hear Paul take a sharp intake of breath as he noticed the credit card in it. He pulled out the American Express Platinum and handed it over the counter.
"Dude" said Paul quietly in his ear. "What's with the plastic there man?"
"Didn't you know?" asked Nick in his usual mischievous mood "Membership has its' privileges"
This earned him a light smack in the back of his head from Paul. "You know what I mean"
Laughing as he signed the receipt Nick turned to Paul as they went outside. "Jonathan handed this to me about a week ago. It blew me away. I used to pray there was enough in my bank account so that the ATM machine wouldn't eat my card. Now look."
Soon the group was out on the first tee overlooking the course. Mark stood next to Chris. "Thanks for paying man. I only get to play here like once a year it is so expensive"
"Hey no problem man" said Nick. "You are welcome. I'm glad you are out here with us. We'd probably be lost out here without you. I only saw a little bit of the island last time I was here"
"I'm the one who should be thanking you" said Mark. "When David told me I'd be driving you around the island it was like YES! I hate wearing that damn uniform when it is this hot"
Nick walked up to the ball and after a few swings sent it down the fairway,. Soon the game was on,. Chris and Michael each took charge of one of the guys. Chris riding with Nick and Michael with Paul. Mark rode with one of the other agents and the last two skipped around the course, being in front of and in back of the group to make sure there was no problem.
Nick and Paul were tied in score with Mark having a 4 shot lead over them. Nick was getting ready to hit his tee shot on the par 3 17th hole when a jet came over head distracting him. He had seen and heard several other jets during the day and had guessed that the golf course was under the take off path of the airport. This seemed louder though. He looked up and saw the jet. He knew in an instant that it wasn't commercial. The 747 carried very distinctive colors. He turned to Chris.
"Where is Renaissance going?" he asked.
"Haven't a clue man" said Chris with a straight face. "Maybe its going back to the states for some work on it or something. I don't know of us leaving any time soon"
"Bullshit man" said Nick. "I don't buy it. Jonathan was too quiet this morning. I didn't think anything about it because I thought his shoulder was hurting. Where did he just take off to?"
Chris sighed. This was not what he wanted. He had hoped they would postpone this problem until they could get back to the resort. Danny had said to keep him occupied, get him drunk or whatever, but don't let him back to the resort until after 5pm. Chris looked at Nick and saw this wasn't going to work.
"I don't know" said Chris. "All I know is that Danny said something about Jonathan being called back to the states briefly. He would be back late tonight. They had to take the 747 because the Gulfstream was still in Hawaii from taking Brandon over there"
"Hmm" said Nick suspiciously. "Let's kill the game and head back"
"You've got time and two holes, go ahead and finish" said Chris; watching the jet disappear in the distance.
"Now I know something is up" said Nick throwing the 6 iron back in the bag. "Let's go. You can come or follow but I'm out of here."
Chris got in the cart as Nick started it back to the club house. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and called the resort. "We're inbound"
It was a quiet trip back to the resort. Several times Paul tried to get Nick to talk to him, but was answered only in single words. As they arrived back to the front of the resort Nick turned to Mark.
"Thanks man" he said. "Sorry to cut it short, but something fucking stinks and I'm going to find out what. I'll talk to Jonathan about you soon as I can."
"Thanks dude" said Mark. "Hope everything is cool"
"Me too man" said Nick. As he started to get out of the jeep, he noted that there was a good chunk of the security crew that had flown into St. Thomas waiting for them. As he walked into the front of the resort with Paul he silently counted off 12 people around them including Michael and Chris.
"OK Chris" said Nick as they came off the elevator and entered the suite. "Fun and games and bullshit is over. I want to know where Jon just went."
Chris walked over towards the bar and pulled out a bottled water and opened it.
"I told you I don't know Nick" said Chris. "Now calm down man. Jon said he would be back tonight."
"You said Danny had said that earlier, not Jon" said Nick walking over to him. Paul was startled to see this, yet another transformation of his friend. Nick had rarely been one to be so forceful.
Chris looked across the room for support as he saw Karen and Anthony come out of a side room of the suite with a cart of food. He had dealt with rock and roll stars, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries, but an upset 20 year old was a first for him.
"Hey guys" said Karen. "Hungry?"
"NO" said Nick. "I want to know where Jonathan flew out to"
"He said something about being needed back in the states for a couple of hours" said Anthony, placing a tray of small sandwiches on the table. "What do you want for dinner?"
"Some answers, not this bull crap" said Nick, "He wouldn't just take off without telling me unless something was up." He turned storming off towards the study and slamming the door.
"This is not going very well" said Anthony to Chris. "What happened?"
"He saw the 747 take off over the golf course" said Chris. He looked out the windows of the patios to confirm that security was in place.
"Paul" said Anthony turning to him. "We are probably going to need your help with Nick. Jonathan had to go back to the states to take care of something. I can't tell you what, but he wanted to make it very clear that Nick didn't leave the resort and preferably the suite until he came back tonight."
"So tell me what's going on and maybe I will" said Paul. "Nick is my best friend. If something's up that could hurt him I want to know. Jonathan sneaking around behind him or what?"
"No nothing like that" said Karen. "I've never seen Jonathan so much in love as I have with Nick. He cares more about him then probably himself"
"So tell me. I promise I won't say anything, but I've gotta know what is going on if you want my help"
Anthony looked at Chris who had obvious indecision on his face. On the one hand Paul could be of great help in keeping Nick under control. Chris had no intention of using physical force on Nick, but still had to keep him here. On the other hand, Paul might tell Nick what was going on. After mentally tossing a coin he made his decision.
"Come out here on the patio" Chris said quietly but with a dark tone to his voice.
As they walked out on the patio, one of the other agents closed the doors. It was a little unnerving to be surrounded by so many armed people. "Here's the deal. Jonathan went back to the states to deal with what's been going on with the threats and shit for the past year. He wants Nick kept here and safe. Will you help me do that?"
"Depends" said Paul. "How much danger is Jonathan in?"
"Probably very little" said Chris. Danny is with him and he has a flying squad of about 24 people with them. Half of them come from what we joke about as the shadow office. They are big, nasty and basically don't exist to most of the world. They provide special protection to our clients who require it. I think Danny would hog tie Jonathan and throw him on the 747 if he thought there was a chance something could happen"
"OK" said Paul. "I'll help you but don't be bullshitting me man. Gun or not, I'll kick your ass if I find out you are lying and it gets Nick hurt"
Paul went back inside and walked across the suite to the study, knocked and walked in. He saw Nick at the desk on the computer.
"You know Nick" Paul said "You are heir to the resort here. I'm here and you are being a lousy host. You storm off and leave me standing with a bunch of people with guns and two others I don't know what to think about"
"Sorry man" said Nick. "I just need to know what's going on and I think I know"
"How man" asked Paul. He knew that Nick hadn't heard him from the patio and hoped his face didn't give anything away.
"Simple you putz" said Nick, a small trace of humor in his voice. "You forget you are talking to a master computer hacker. Besides I know Jonathan's passwords. Everything I wanted to see is probably in this locked drawer, but the computer is networked. No big deal to crack the network. I am almost sure I know exactly....... what I'm......."
His voice trailed off as he read what was on the computer monitor Paul watched as his best friend's face changed from a look of question to shock to anger.
"What is it man?" he asked walking over and putting his hand on Nick's shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"Son of a bitch" Nick said quietly. "I know where Jonathan is going. I've got to get out of here."
"No way man" said Paul pushing Nick back down in the chair. "They aren't going to let you out of here until Jonathan gets back. I got them to tell me about what's going on. Jonathan said to make sure you stay here until he comes back."
"I don't get to where he is going he might not come back. This is all my fault" said Nick pushing Paul out of the way and getting up. He was half way across the study when Paul tackled him from behind.
"Listen bud" he said as he held Nick down. "You may have been varsity swimming but I was varsity football. Now fucking calm down. You want help I'll help you but you always were too fucking in a rush"
"OK OK" said Nick. "Let me up. You think you'd want to be screwing my ass the way you are lying on top of me"
"I never did a chick in the ass, can't imagine why I would want yours" said Paul getting up off of him.
"You might like it man" said Nick. "But not now. Listen . You want to help? Then help me get out of here."
Nick was silent as he thought for a moment then walked over to the desk and hit the button for the concierge desk.
":Yes Mr. Covington?" replied the voice.
Nick realized he really hated being called Mr.
"Is Mark still on duty?" he asked.
"Yes sir' came back the voice in polite British overtones. "One moment and I'll retrieve him"
Shortly came back the voice of Mark. "Hey Nick, what's up? Is everything OK?"
"No man its not." said Nick. "I need your help, but you might get fired. If you do, I'll get Jonathan to get you rehired. I promise"
"What's up man?" said Mark. "I had a good time with you guys today., What do you need?"
"Can you get a jeep and be out front in 15 minutes?" Nick asked. "Don't tell anyone where you are going. I need to get off the resort and I don't think I'm allowed to leave"
"Sure man" said Mark. :"I'm bored shitless here today. This sounds like fun."
"We'll see man." said Nick. "Thanks"
Nick turned to Paul. "OK man. You are my best bud. You with me on this?"
"Yeah you know I am." said Paul walking over to Nick. "You sure this is a good idea though? I mean they have guns and shit.:"
"They aren't gonna shoot you or me dude" said Nick walking over to the windows and looking down. It was about 15 feet to the ground. A flagstone path led down the hill. "I need time to get the Hell out of here. Keep them busy, Tell them I'm on the net or something and want to be left the fuck alone"
"OK man" said Paul. "You be careful dude. I don't want to see you fucked up"
Nick hugged his best friend in the world. "I've got to go man. This is my fault. I don't care if Jonathan thinks he can finish this off. I know some shit about my old man he doesn't. I need to be there"
Paul hugged his friend back. "Get the fuck out of here man. I got your back."
Chapter Three:
Paul went out to talk to Chris. After making up some story about Nick complaining about being treated like a little kid and stuff, he told them that Nick wanted to be left alone until they decided he was grown up enough to be told the truth. Paul went over and got a plate of sandwiches and said he was taking them into Nick. He took the plate into the study and saw his friend was gone.
"I hope you know what the fuck you are doing Nick" he said silently to himself. Placing the tray on the desk he walked out and went to his room; hoping he had convinced everyone.
Meanwhile Nick had hung down the wall and let himself land and roll at the bottom of the fall. After deciding that he had a few small bruises and scrapes but was in one piece he looked at the vegetation around the grounds. "Hope we ain't got snakes" he thought as he slipped into the foliage and began a wide trek around the wing and the uphill climb to the front of the resort. Coming out near the roadway about 15 minutes later he saw Mark in a jeep out in front of the hotel. It was relatively quiet. He picked up a small stone and threw it the 50 or so feet to the jeep. It bounced once and hit the jeep door. Mark looked up and saw Nick. He started the jeep and went down the road slowly. Nick jumped in as he went past.
:"Move it man" said Nick rubbing his elbow where he banged it on the jeep floor. "Get me to the airport."
"Chill dude" said Mark glancing in the rear mirror "I take off like a banshee down the driveway and you won't get anywhere."
As Mark made the turn off the estate grounds, he picked up speed. "The airport is 10 minutes away man"
"Make it 5 minutes." said Nick.
"I figured you were headed there." said Mark. "I pulled a copy of the flight schedules from the desk. There are no flights back to the states until 9 PM tonight."
"Shit" said Nick.
"I also called the airport and spoke with one of the charter services." said Mark with a smile. "There is a Cessna X twin engine private jet going though final checks. I told them I was driving a client down who needed to get to the states immediately. I figured you could cover it with the amex plat I saw. "
"You just got hired man" said Nick. "Thanks. You don't know how much this means."
"Yeah I do Nick" said Mark as they turned into the airport road. "I have been on duty a couple of times when you and Mr. Castleton have walked through. I can see what you two mean to each other."
Mark drove to the charter office and let Nick off. "Good Luck"
Nick walked into the office. "I believe you have a jet waiting for me?"
The man behind the counter looked at the kid who had just spoken. He saw a 20 year old in cargo shorts and a really brightly colored flower shirt. He shook his head. It already cost him the start up costs to get the jet fueled and checked out and ready for a flight. Now he has this kid here.
"You are the one the resort called about? " he asked in disbelief.
"Yeah I am and I'm in a rush." said Nick, he slammed down the Platinum American Express, Visa and Discover Cards down on the counter. "Pick one I need to be airborne already"
Suitably impressed the man changed his attitude. 'Yes sir. Where are you wanting to go? Do you have your passport with you? I need to file plans."
"Yeah I got it and can you get me to Denver?" said Nick.
"I can't, but I can get you to Miami and I'll make arrangements to get you to Denver from there." said the man.
Nick did some fast thinking. He realized that once he was noted gone all Hell was going to break loose. He needed to be somewhere else, somewhere they wouldn't think of looking. "You get me to Orlando instead and make the same arrangements?"
"Yeah I can but it will cost you more." said the man.
"You can't break the Amex man." said Nick. "Set it up. I'll be on the plane. Give the charge slip and the card to the pilot, and tell whoever in Orlando I need clothes. Jeans and a sweatshirt or something. Size 32 waist large sweatshirt. " Nick walked out the door leaving the man to shake his head and walked the 100 yards to where the plane was waiting...........