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"Not what I thought escape meant " Chapter 18
Max quickly turned the subject to Thanksgiving. It was only a couple of weeks away so he discussed what the family normally did and what changes she wanted to make. "I don't mind having it here." Max said. "Maybe next year. They will probably be working on the living room area of the house by then." Mary said. Max and Mary discussed the menu and who would prepare what. They had always invited Flo and the farmer next door and his wife. "Its quite a few so Daryl and I will take care of most of the food." Mary said. "No need for that. I am use to cooking for crowds. Hell I cook better for a group than I do just two. " Max laughed. So all was decided and Mary even asked if Max would prepare his style corn bread dressing. Everything was settled when Max's cell phone rang. "Hey buddy. How are things in Georgia ?" Max asked. "Going good here. I need to make sure you and Carl are free tomorrow. They are having a joint hearing. The first part is for Brent's charges and the second is a judge's panel arbitration for Carl's case. They weren't even close with their second offer so I gave them the choice of a jury or arbitration." Bob said. "Hold on just a second and I will make sure." Max said Stepping out the back door he got Carl's attention and handed him the phone. Going back inside he watched as Carl walked around the back yard talking to Bob. Coming back in the door Mary and Max turned to look at Carl. "I love you too baby. I know. I will see you soon." Carl said. "Love you too ? See you soon ?" Max asked. "Shawn and Shane called before I could get back to the house. " Carl laughed. "Um. But that was my phone." Max laughed. "Yeah they said they called mine and I didn't answer. I guess I left mine on the nightstand. They needed to talk to their Uncle Carl." Carl laughed. "Guess Uncle Max is old news." Max laughed.
By the time they were finished working on the expansion for the day Carl was dragging. Max had prepared supper and thought he was going to have to spoon feed Carl. After supper Max went and ran a tub of warm water for Carl's bath. Returning to the kitchen he heard the moans from Carl as he pulled him from the chair and aimed him towards the bathroom. Carl stood silently as Max removed his clothes. Helping Carl into the tub Max could hear the low moans as the warm water began to sooth the sore muscles. "Baby you are working too hard on this. You don't have to build it over night." Max said. "I know babe. But I want this part finished before the first snows." Carl said. "I understand that. Being from Georgia there is not much snow, but I don't want you to almost kill yourself to get it done. " Max said. "Baby are you alright about tomorrow ?" Carl whispered. "I am fine. The sooner this is over the better." Max said. "You know we are both going to have to face Brent." Carl said. "I look forward to seeing my handy work first hand." Max laughed. "We need to leave here early. It will take a couple of hours to get there. " Carl said. "Just make sure we set the alarm." Max whispered as he washed Carl's body.
Neither man slept well that night. Carl was worried that all the dealing with Brent would cause Max to say "enough" and just leave. Max on the other hand was afraid of that changes that would come when Carl received the large sum of money. Carl still felt like he would not receive anything but Max was confident that he had all his facts straight and Bob would try to break the firm's bank. The alarm went off before the sun came up. Max was so deep in thought he didn't hear it blaring. "Baby. Reach over and turn that off please." Carl said as he kissed the back of Max's neck. The touch of Carl's lips shocked Max back into the moment. "Sorry baby. I didn't mean to scare you." Carl whispered. "Sorry. I was zoned out I guess." Max said. "You have been for a while. Where were you ?" Carl asked. "Nowhere in particular." Max said. "I know that's not the truth but I trust you will tell me when you get it worked out in your head." Carl whispered. "Damn. You are learning me to well." Max laughed. "Just know. Where ever your mind is right now. I am here and I am not going anywhere." Carl said and kissed Max's neck again. "Alright sexy. Get that cute ass in the shower while I fix breakfast." Max said as he crawled out form under the covers. "Ummm....Ummm... Ummmm." Carl said. "What ?" Max laughed. "I see breakfast walking towards the door." Carl laughed.
The first half of the drive was quiet. Max could feel the stress in the vehicle. "Baby. What are you thinking about as far as the kitchen and the living room." Max asked squeezing Carl's hand. This seemed to calm Carl down. The two men discussed possibilities. Carl told Max that he had decided to add a fireplace in the master bedroom. He told him that he had always wanted one but had never had the chance until now. He wanted to put a larger fireplace in the living room. "The snow gets rough out here in the winter. We may get snowed in for a week or so." Carl said. "Now that sounds like fun." Max whispered. "Oh I am sure we can find ways to pass the time. I also ordered one of those outdoor heaters like you had in your house. That thing will come in real handy. I look forward to a couple of hours in the shower with my baby and plenty of hot water." Carl smiled. "A couple of hours and I will look like a hairy prune." Max laughed. "That's alright baby. I think I can produce enough protein to bring you back. " Carl laughed. "You promise ?" Max asked. "Oh baby. I look forward to every second of it." Carl said and smiled.
As they pulled into the courthouse parking lot Carl shut the engine off. Turning towards Max he placed his hands on both sides of Max's face. "Baby. I promise you that no matter what happens today that we are going back home to our life. I love you so much and nothing that happens today will change that. Promise me that nothing that happens today will cause you to love me any less." Carl said with fear in his voice. "Don't worry cowboy. Nothing said or done today will make me love you any less." Max said as he leaned over and kissed Carl. A tap on the window broke the kiss. "Hey you two. Get a room." Bob laughed. "Damn buddy. I didn't know you were coming today." Carl said as he released Max and opened the door. "Yeah I took the corporate jet. I will fly back when this is over." Bob said. Carl quickly hugged Bob. "Thank you so much buddy." Carl whispered. "At least let us take you to dinner tonight." Max said. "Lets see how this goes and if there is time that would be great." Bob said. "Thanks for coming Bob. I thought Carl was going to jump through the sunroof a couple of times he was so nervous." Max laughed. "All will be well buddy. Don't worry." Bob said and patted Carl on the back again.
Carl and Max sat patiently outside the court room as the hearing for Brent's charges was held. Being possible witnesses they were not allowed in the court room. Bob came out a couple of hours later. "Boy this one is full of himself." Bob laughed. "I know buddy. Sorry about that." Carl said. "Not your fault. The judge said that he will give his ruling in about fifteen minutes. The judges panel will be seated right after lunch for your part Carl." Bob said. "They didn't need me ?" Max asked. "Brent tried to demand it but the judge shut him down. He said the deputy testimony and the pictures were enough." Bob said. "Whew. Thank goodness." Max laughed. "After the judge passes Brent's sentence I will carry you guys to lunch." Bob said. "We will buy." Carl said. "No need. The firm is paying for it." Bob laughed. "I want to thank you Carl for letting Paul take those pictures. You didn't have to but it has made his week. He has finally been able to shut up some of his friends." Bob said. "I am glad they helped." Carl laughed. "They did. We sat down last night and deleted them from his phone." Bob said. "Why did you do that ?" Max asked. "Paul said he was thankful that Carl helped him out but he did not want to take a chance on someone getting his phone or steeling it and getting those pictures." Bob said. "You have a special man there too Bob." Carl said. "Oh I definitely know that. And if I ever forget it Paul is quick to remind me." Bob laughed. "I doubt it takes much reminding." Max said. "Oh it doesn't but Paul thinks he has to at least once a year." Bob laughed. About that time the bailiff opened the door to call court back in session. "Show time. Be back shortly." Bob said.
Bob came out smiling "Lets get lunch. I will explain everything there." Bob said. As the men sat down for a quick lunch Bob explained that the judge had found Brent guilty on all charges. "Brent has been sentenced to ninety days in jail. Mandatory anger management. Five years probation and two hundred and forty hours of community service. He said that the community service had to be picking up trash on the highway and he had six months to complete it when he got out. Brent told him that he must not know who he was and that was "NOT" going to happen. The judge just told him that if he didn't then he would serve a full sentence that would end up being fifteen years. Bob went on to say that Brent had also been instructed that if he ever contacted either of you or your families that he would automatically serve those fifteen years with no chance of early release. "He was hot as hell in that court room. You could see the red all the way across the room. " Bob laughed. "How long does he have to stay away from us ?" Carl asked. "The way the judge listed his order it will be for the remainder of Brent's life. " Bob said. "Well buddy regardless of what happens this afternoon just that was well worth it." Carl said and squeezed Max's hand. "Oh no. There is no way I am going home and not getting Max everything he wants for you. Max can be a tough customer and I have to live with Paul if I go home and say Max was not happy." Bob laughed. "Yeah I am learning my Georgia boy has a dark side." Carl laughed. "Yeah he did a hell of a good job on Brent's face." Bob laughed. "Hey I got injured too." Max whined All three men laughed as they finished and headed back to the courthouse.
They took their seat in the courtroom. Carl sat with Bob and Max sat right behind him. "I love you baby. Please believe that." Carl whispered. "Nothing that could be said in here today will make me think less of you or love you any less. Please believe that." Max whispered back. The attorneys began to come into the courtroom and at the end of the line was Brent. Max had to refrain from laughing at the bruised face and crooked nose. Carl was first on the stand. The judge had to instruct him to speak up as they asked him about the events. All of the papers that Brent had supposedly filed against him were entered into evidence including that papers he gave Max at the house. Next was a hand writing expert. He pointed out to the judges which signatures were forged. Next up was a different law professor. He pointed out the points of law in the different papers that were not legal nor ethical. The apposing attorney firm kept objecting but could never come up with grounds for their opposition. Bob was gloating at this point because there seemed to be nothing to stand in his way of getting Carl anything he wanted. You could tell by Carl's expression that he was amazed at everything.
The first called by the judges was Brent's lawyer lover. This was the first time that either Carl or Max had seen him, or at least to know who he was. The judge drilled him about the papers that were in evidence. He admitted that he had drawn up the papers for Brent but had only gotten a judge to sign one. He had given the papers to Brent and told him he needed to get a judge to sign them. Bob at that point asked to question the lawyer. Bob pointed out two parts of that one form that were not within the codes of law. The lawyer team seemed to sink in their seats. They knew that just made them liable in more ways than one. The judge cleared his throat knowing that the signing judge was just implicated too. Next was the judge. He admitted that two signatures were indeed his but not the others. The judge reprimanded him in open court for signing forms that were not true to the law of Wyoming. The judge called for a short recess stating that the judge panel would be calling Brent to the stand after the break. "I think I will just set here. If I get out of this chair I may not come back." Carl said softly. "Everything is going great baby. Just stay calm." Max whispered. "Speaking for myself this has been fun so far." Bob said.
Court was back in session and Brent was brought to the stand. Taking the stand he had not seen Max in the courtroom. The judge asked his first question. Brent sat and stared at Max. "I am not saying a damn thing with that son of a bitch in the courtroom." Brent spat. "You will answer my questions or you will be held in contempt of court. " the judge said. "Fuck you. You don't rule my life." Brent said. "I would suggest that you take a minute to get your client in line or we will be ready to rule." the judge said to the lawyers. Asking to approach the bench the representative of the lawyers and Bob stepped forward. "Our client asks that his attacker be removed from the courtroom." the attorney said. "Your honor. I would like to submit the police report and the ruling earlier today of another judge that proves that the man in the courtroom was not the attacker." Bob said.
The judge looked at the papers and handed them back to Bob. "Motion denied. Return to your tables." the judge said. "He is not leaving ?" Brent shouted. "Control your client and no he is not leaving." the judge said. The papers were presented to Brent. "Yes I gave him these and when I get out of here he will wish he had never met me with the papers I have planned." Brent said. "Did you sign the judges name to these ?" the judge asked. "Yes. I did not have time to get the judge to sign them. Plus he is a nasty old man. I didn't feel like sucking his cock to get anymore signed. " Brent said and flung that papers across the courtroom. "So you performed oral sex for those two signatures ?" the judge asked. "Yes I did. ENOUGH of this. I am not getting my way here. I always get what I want. Who the hell in here do I have to suck off or let fuck me to get what I want. Just give me what the hell I want and let me go home. I have a celebratory dinner party planned and you are fucking with my social standing." Brent spat and stood up. "As for you, you dried up mother fucker. I am not done with you yet. I will make you wish you had never interfered with me and Carl. Carl owes me everything he has for this and I will damn sure get it. Now get me the fuck out of here. I have guests arriving at my home in a couple of hours." Brent spat. "Remove his from the court room bailiff." the judge commanded. "Its about damn time. I need to hurry home." Brent said. "As for you. Your day will come." Brent said pointing at Max. Carl was white as a sheet and Max just smiled at Brent as he was escorted out. "We will take a thirty minute recess and return with our verdict." the judge said as he banged his gavel.
Bob and Max had convinced Carl to leave the courtroom. Max had found a cup of coffee and Carl sat silent. "Baby everything is alright." Max said. "I see why you told me now that you "had" to be in the courtroom." Bob laughed. "Why would you subject yourself to that ?" Carl asked. "Look. Brent could have kept his composure with you in there. He figured he still had you wrapped around his finger. Me, now that's a different story. Me just setting there would drive him nuts and make the real Brent come out." Max said. "Well it did the trick. I know the first recess was so that the lawyers could drill into Brent that he had to keep his composure. " Bob said. "If it had just been you guys he probably would have. I knew if he saw me setting there that he could not hold it together. It was quite funny." Max laughed. "I am so sorry honey. Once again I could not stand up and defend you." Carl said as he lowered his head. "Stop that right now. You hear me. There was no need to defend me or my honor at the house nor here. I am a grown ass man. I need you to stand beside me. Not defend me. I am not above having a little mud slung at me in the name of justice. As long as the mud can't stick." Max said. "Look Carl. If you had come to me with this case I would have probably turned you down. Max saw through it all and found the facts before he called me. I trust Max and know him well enough that he would not put himself in danger. I have seen worse words thrown at him over the years and he just let it roll off his back. He knew in the end he would win and have the last word. If Max had not done all he has this may have turned out a lot different and not in a good way." Bob said.
The bailiff opened the doors to announce that court was back in session. Everyone was seated and Brent was brought back in with restraints. "Young man I will warn you. One word from you and I mean one word and I will throw the full force of the law at you. Mr. Rexlan. I see in your complaint that you do not wish to receive the house or any other property in return. Is that correct ?" he asked. "Yes your honor." Carl said. "So be it." the judge said. Turning to Brent. "As for you. I am adding another six months to your prison sentence and another five years to your probation. Further more any contact with Mr. Rexlan and his family or friends and you will come before me for a full sentencing. Next I impose a fine for the State of Wyoming in the amount of two hundred thousand dollars. The state is seizing all of your property and accounts as of this moment to be sold to pay this debt. You may remove him from the courtroom now bailiff." the judge said. You could tell that Brent was fuming and biting his lip to keep from cursing everyone out.
"Now to the next matter. I want to apologize to you Mr. Rexlan for the poor treatment that you have received from the State of Wyoming. I have sat on the bench for over thirty years and this is the worst case of blatant misuse of the law I have ever seen. I apologize on behalf of the entire Wyoming law system and that of the United States judicial system. Before I read the judgement of the panel does your firm have anything they would like to say ?" the judge asked. "Your honor we do not feel that we should be held liable for the forgery and misuse of the law." one said. "Was this attorney in your employ at the time ?" the judge asked pointing to Brent's boyfriend. "Yes your honor he is a partner in the practice." he said. "Then you are responsible.
Our judgement is for Mr. Rexlan in the amount of three million dollars. This is to be paid in full within thirty days. I am suspending your law practice until this sum is paid. Further more you are responsible for all expenses including court fees and attorney's fees separate from the settlement. Mr. Lasko I hope that your firm has a very good billing department." the judge said. "We do your honor. I do have one question. My client had to find someone to run his ranch and drive thirty hours to Georgia. He spent three days there meeting with his attorneys. Should he file for compensation on that and if so in what form ?" Bob asked. "I am adding an additional one hundred thousand for those expenses in addition to the three million. Mr. Rexlan I hope that you at some point can regain your trust in our judicial system. We are not all crooked." the judge said.
"Your honor that stiff a penalty may bankrupt our firm." one lawyer said. "Well to me young man that may be fitting. It appears to me that you should not be practicing law as it is. And if you plan to file bankruptcy to try to get out of this I hope you realize that a lien has been placed on all the partners properties until this judgement is satisfied." the judge said. "Isn't that a little stiff your honor ?" one of the other attorney's spoke up. "Not in my courtroom. You are walking out of here with your law licenses so I would be grateful if I were you. I would like to commend the three young law students that worked on this case. I hope that this strikes a chord in you as to how not to practice law in our great state. Mr. Rexlan if you have any contact from the firm or anyone representing them I ask that you contact me immediately. This is so ordered and court is adjourned." the judge said as he and the other judges stood to leave the courtroom. Bob quickly carried papers to the other table for all the attorneys to sign. Carl and Max both sat speechless.
Finally leaving the courtroom Max had his arm around Carl trying to help support him. "Damn buddy. That was a lot more that we filed for. You need to thank Max for that. I think him being in there causing Brent to go off is what did it." Bob laughed. "What just happened in there Max ?" Carl said still in shock. "Baby you just got three point one million dollars. " Max whispered. "Yeah and reading through the judges assessment you only have to pay tax on forty thousand of it. The rest is tax free." Bob said. Carl's knees got weak and Max helped him set on a bench. Looking up at the two men. "I don't know what to say. I don't know where to begin. All I wanted was to be rid of Brent forever." Carl said. "Well thank your man here. I am glad that you came to dinner but there was really no need. Max knew that if you and I met while you were in Georgia then that could be used in this case too. It got you a cool hundred grand." Bob said. "Why are you not a lawyer ?" Carl asked Max. "Same reason he is not a realtor. As long as he is not licensed then he can move around the laws of both." Bob laughed. "Its not like that." Max laughed. "What realtor ?" Carl asked. "Max use to buy and sell houses plus he has rentals. Not being a realtor allowed him to be flexible. He always told me that was worth more money than any commission." Bob laughed. "I see you are full of all types surprises." Carl said. "Oh I have one form I need Max to sign while I am here." Bob said. As he lay the paper on the hood. "After meeting Carl I think you are doing the right thing." Bob whispered. "Lets hope so. I need one more favor. I want you to set down with Carl when he gets this money and help him to lock it up tight so no one can get their hands on it. Including me." Max said. "Why you ?" Bob asked. "I just want my name left out of all his property and money. I don't want anyone to have reason to think I am after his money." Max said. "I think you are over reaching here buddy but if that's what you want I will be glad too." Bob said as he hugged Max.
They offered to buy Bob supper but he said that Paul would kill him if he didn't get home to him and the twins. As they started to leave headed home Max was driving due to Carl still being in shock. "Do you want to stop somewhere to get something to eat ?" Max asked. "If you don't care I had rather just get something at a drive thru. I just want to get home." Carl said. They stopped half way home and got something to eat. As Max got back on the interstate he was pleased to see that Carl ate all that he had ordered. Max even gave his the rest of his claiming he was full. The only thoughts going through his mind was would this money change things between him and Carl. Did he need to prepare himself to move on. "Three point one fucking million dollars. Baby I can buy you anything you want." Carl said. Those words almost made Max's blood run cold. "Baby I have all I want right here. Money can't buy what I need." Max said reaching up and placing his hand on Carl's heart. "Baby you have that. No question about it." Carl said. "Do me a favor though. Don't tell everyone how much you got. Especially Joe." Max said. "What can I tell them then ?" Carl asked. "Just say you got everything back that Brent took and then a little." Max said. "A little ?" Carl laughed. "Well they don't have to know how much a little is. If they found out you got that much we are going to have to buy batteries every other day for those driveway things." Max said. "Yeah you have a point. I am just still amazed. First thing I plan to do is pay off Bob for all his work." Carl said. "Baby the judge said that the firm had to pay him. All of that money is yours." Max said. "You mean ours." Carl smiled. "No baby. Yours. You can do lots of things to expand your business if you want or just set back at night and smile at your bank balances. But that is your money." Max said. "We'll see. " Carl said. "I asked Bob to work with you to tie your money up so no one could take advantage of you. I hope I didn't over step my bounds." Max said. "No baby. If it had not been for you I wouldn't have gotten a dime. Plus my lawyer may have given in and gave him the rest according to that last paper." Carl said.
They both breathed a sigh of relief when they passed Flo's. Mary had called during the drive and Carl told her just as Max had requested that he had gotten back all that Brent had taken and just a little more. Mary was thrilled and you could hear her over the phone. Finally pulling in the driveway they could see Bo standing in the window. "I see somebody else is glad that we are home." Max laughed. Opening the door Bo ran to each man for a quick pet and then took off across the yard. "I guess his eyeballs were floating." Carl laughed. "Now. While I make some coffee you go and get a shower. When your done I will get me one." Max said "Not without a kiss. I haven't had a proper kiss since we got up this morning. My lips are feeling neglected." Carl said as he pulled Max to his chest. Max could feel his precum leaking through his pants as Carl's tongue sought new depths. Finally pulling back. "Alright sexy cowboy. Got get that shower before we both get to a point of no return. " Max whispered. "I like the point of no return myself." Carl whispered.
Returning to the living room clean and naked Max walked up and wrapped his arms around Carl. Cupping an ass cheek in each hand he leaned up and gave Carl a deep passionate kiss. "Be back shortly lover." Max said as he headed to the shower. Carl sat in front of the television and wondered to himself how much that money would change their lives. Max now freshly washed and naked returned to the living room. "Come set in cowboy's lap." Carl whispered. "What I would really like to do is retire this to the bedroom. I have something I want to try." Max whispered. "Now you are talking cowboy language." Carl said as he stood and quickly followed Max to the bedroom. Max had Carl lay on his back on the bed. He crawled up so that he was straddling Carl's waist. Leaning over he began lightly kissing Carl. Then he began his tongue and lip body exploration.
Moving to Carl's neck he began to nibble and move his way up to Carl's ear. Nibbling on the lobe caused Carl to moan and move around. Reaching back Carl began to run his finger around the ring of Max's ass. "Not tonight baby. This is all for you." Max whispered. "But I want so of that sweet Georgia ass. " Carl begged. "In time baby." Max whispered. Max then moved his attention back to Carl's neck. Kissing, then sucking, finally lightly nibbling around the Adam's apple had Carl about ready to scream. Max then moved down and lightly licked the hair on Carl's chest. Not enough pressure to touch skin but enough to make the hairs almost tickle but in a very sensual way. Max could feel Carl's cock begin to flex against his ass. Moving further down Max began to pay the same attention to Carl's nipples. By this point Carl was begging to let him inside. "Later baby. This is about you." Max said. Working his way down kissing and lightly licking from side to side and across Carl's stomach.
Diving in with his tongue he thought Carl was going to come off the bed when he nibbled and licked his belly button. Finally down to Carl's raging cock Max took it into his mouth. First in slow motion and then fast he could feel Carl's orgasm level rise. Edging his lover two or three times Max began to move back up Carl's body. From the expression on Carl's face Max knew he was about to explode. Carl reached around to grab his own cock but his hand was slapped away by Max. Moving so that he could rub Carl's chest with his own Max wedged his fingers in to play with Carl's nipples to get them extra aroused. Moving his mouth to Carl's neck. Finding that magic spot Max had Carl almost coming off the bed. Max moved his head so that he could lightly lick Carl's lips. Carl tried desperately to capture Max's mouth for a deep kiss. Max was able however to capture Carl's tongue. As Max began to suck on Carl's tongue as if he were giving it a blow job Carl's eyes shot wide open. "Ooooooohhhhhh.....aaahh ...ffffffuuuuuucccckkkkkk......... " Carl tried to shout as his hips bucked. That familiar rumble began as Carl's cock flailed behind Max's ass spraying his load all over Max's back and the bed spread. "GGGGGGggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrr......." Max shouted as he was caught by surprise. His hips began to buck as he sprayed his load in between the two men. Wrapping his arms around Carl tight the two men lay there as their bodies twitched and they tried to come down from their orgasm. "Baby. What the fuck just happened ? That was mind blowing. " Carl said. "Well you have said a few times that you wondered how it would feel to cum without touching yourself. I just wanted to see if I could give you that feeling." Max said. Carl reached down Max's back and pushed his lingering seed down to rub it into Max's ass. Reaching between the two he collected some of Max's and quickly rubbed it on his still raging cock. "Baby that was amazing but nothing is more amazing in my mind than this." Carl said as he slid his still hard cock deep inside of Max. Max could only hold on and try to breath. "God baby I love you so much." Carl whispered. "I love you too cowboy. More than you could ever know." Max said as tears began to some from his eyes.