Super Jeff

The following is a work of gay fiction. If the subject matter is offensive to you or you are too young, please exit now. This story is the property of the author and may not be duplicated without the consent of the author. John Tucker JETjt@aol.com

SUPER JEFF

Chapter Seventeen

JEFF'S POV

Mandy and Chris accompanied me to the visitation for Donnie Smith, while Rick remained at home with Ben. Both had offered to go, but since neither knew Donnie, it would have just been for company, so we turned down their offer. Ben, for one, looked relieved and I'm sure that Rick felt the same way. We arrived a few minutes early as Mr. Smith had suggested.

The visitation was at the funeral home where the service would take place the following morning. I had never been to a funeral within my recollection so I was filled with apprehension as well as sadness. After signing the guest register, we approached Mr. and Mrs. Smith who were greeting friends and relatives as they entered.

"Mr. & Mrs. Smith," I began. "I'd like you to meet my sister Amanda and our friend from school, Chris Taylor."

"Thank you for coming," Mrs. Smith said offering her hand. We all shook both of their hands, then Mr. Smith suggested that I go into an adjacent room where the pall bearers were to meet with Mr. Cunningham the Funeral Director. I excused myself, telling Mandy and Chris that I'd return as soon as I could.

As it turned out I was gone less than five minutes. Mr. Cunningham told me where to sit and handing me a program, indicated at what point I needed to get up and go to take my place at the coffin. He explained our duties, then said I could go. Just as I was leaving I saw Doug Jacobs enter the room. Apparently he was going to be a Pall Bearer too. We exchanged greetings with somber expressions, then I left the room to rejoin Mandy and Chris.

I found the two of them at the rear of the large chapel looking at pictures of Donnie taken as he was growing up. Chris pointed out two or three where I appeared also. After looking at the pictures we walked to the front of the chapel where the casket lay open. Though it was sad knowing that Donnie no longer occupied the body that was lying within the beautiful container, I marveled at how natural he looked, and how at peace he appeared. One would never have known, from the condition of his body, that he had been in an accident.

I told Mandy and Chris that I wanted to pray, so we sat down on one of the front pews. I folded my hands in my lap and bowed my head.

Lord,' I prayed silently, I'm not sure why You have chosen to take our friend Donnie to be with You, but I trust in Your goodness and mercy that he has gone to his reward in Heaven. I pray that his soul has found joy and peace in Your presence. We will miss him here, but promise to remember him in our hearts. Now I pray that you will give comfort to his parents and family as well as his friends who come to honor and remember his life. All this I ask in Your Name. Amen.'

I raised my head and saw that Chris was still praying. Amanda was looking straight ahead at the casket. When Chris opened his eyes, I took his hand and we stood, making our way to the rear of the room.

We said our goodbyes to the Smiths and promised to see them again in the morning. They both smiled sadly and nodded.

Once outside, Chris and I took off our dark coats and loosened our ties. Climbing into Dad's `panzer' there was little said until we were out of the funeral parlor's parking lot.

"Donnie looked very nice," Mandy commented. "It's been a couple of years since I've seen him, but he looked so peaceful."

"I thought he looked a little out of character," I commented. "Maybe it's because he was a bit of a cut-up and a joker. He was always into some kind of mischief, and at least for the last couple of years it was with girls. I hardly ever saw him without a big grin on his face."

"Did you get a chance to talk to Ed before we left for the visitation?" Mandy asked.

"Yes, we're to go to his office tomorrow afternoon," I responded. "He said he'd be ready for us."

It was still early evening when we got home. We had asked Frank to make a light dinner since I was pretty sure we wouldn't be much in the mood for a big formal meal after the visitation. He surprised me by serving up one of his special pizzas. It had everything imaginable on it except anchovies, which I hated. Well, that's not quite true. A true Caesar salad is not complete unless the dressing is fresh and made with a wipe of the dressing bowl with an anchovy. To return to the topic, the pizza was fabulous. I ate far more than I thought possible, but Frank, knowing that there were four young men eating, had made plenty.

The evening was spent in the game room playing pool and cards, mixed with conversation. The more I was exposed to Rick the more I liked him. It was plain that he was in love with Mandy, and, in my opinion, she got the better bargain. I guess I shouldn't say that, because the new Mandy was everything one could ask for in a sister. Nevertheless, there remained the memory of the old Mandy, the one who hated my guts, or so at least it seemed. Ben was like a fish out of water, but I'll give him credit, he tried. He followed us around like a puppy dog, saying very little and participated in whatever we did. He didn't seem particularly happy, but instead rather resigned. By 10 o'clock we were all getting tired so we broke up to go to our rooms. I told Ben that he was welcome to stay up if he chose, to watch TV or use the computer in his room. He told me that he didn't know how to use a computer, so after Rick and Mandy had gone to their room, Chris and I spent about 45 minutes with Ben in a cram course of Computers 101. We introduced him to the internet and after showing him how to explore with Google, his interest was piqued. Chris and I excused ourselves and made for my room.

"One down and one to go," I said as we entered the room.

I could see the lack of understanding on Chris' face.

"The funeral stuff, I mean," I clarified.

"Oh yeah," Chris said, understanding. "I've only been to one funeral before. It was my Grandfather Taylor. He was old and we didn't see him much, which for me was okay. He was a lot like my dad and not pleasant to be around. I don't miss him."

"Do you miss your family?" I asked.

"I don't miss my dad at all," Chris said. "I miss having a mother around, but mine never had time for us. She was always pregnant, so we pretty much had to take care of ourselves. I miss my brothers and sisters though. We used to fight some, and at the time I thought they were a nuisance, but I guess that's normal. I worry about them though. I was always there to keep them out of trouble with my parents."

"Maybe we'll find a way that you can see them," I suggested. "Let me think on it some."

Chris beamed at the offer.

"I'd really like that," he gushed. "I'm sure if my parents found out, they'd have a fit."

"Yes, probably so," I agreed. "Maybe Ed can do something about that. We'll ask him tomorrow."

"Did you hear anything about Pop and Dr. Mel today?" asked Chris.

"No. I didn't. I hope the trail hasn't become cold," I worried aloud.

"Maybe Ed Macgregor has heard something," Chris said hopefully.

"He hadn't when I talked to him earlier," I reported. "Maybe we'll hear something tomorrow."

I had sat down on the chair at my small desk and Chris sat nearby on the bed.

"I'm kinda tired," Chris said as he stretched and yawned. "Do you want to sleep together tonight?"

"Is shit brown?" I asked rhetorically.

Chris grinned and began to take off his clothes.

"I guess I should get my P.J.s," Chris said after taking off his shirt, "or maybe we could just sleep in our underwear."

"Wrong twice," I said as I felt a stirring in my groin watching Chris disrobe. "I want to feel some tender boy flesh next to me."

"Saves on the laundry," Chris winked as I stood and began to undress quickly.

"Yeah. Save the planet," I agreed.

A minute later we were under the covers, each feeling some tender boy flesh.

The funeral the following morning was sad. While all five of us attended, the others went more in support of me than for either Donnie or his parents. I couldn't help thinking about the young life snuffed out and the really good guy who no longer would be a part of my life. It was sad and seemed such a waste.

The service was nice, and Steve Jenkins, Donnie's best friend, spoke a tender and moving eulogy about his life, how he met Donnie and about how Donnie and he had shared many sorrows and joys as they had grown up. It was obvious that they were close in a way that Donnie and I had never been. I could see the love for Donnie in his eyes as he spoke. Steve was often on the verge of tears as he relayed their encounters but he managed to get through it, giving everyone in the chapel a new and better understanding of his friend, now gone. I found myself wishing that I'd taken more time to know Donnie better. I know I got a new appreciation for Steve.

After the Chapel service, when the time came for the movement of the casket to the hearse, I stood up on cue and joined Steve, Doug and three other guys from our school in moving the now closed container to the vehicle. After it was loaded in the black hearse, the long, black vehicle waited for everyone to get to their cars for a lengthy procession of cars to the cemetery. Had I not been a pall bearer, I'd have probably opted to go home after the chapel service. As it was I felt obligated to go.

Once the short gravesite service was over, Mr. Smith came over to where I was standing, asking that we go to their house afterward for refreshments. I really didn't want to go, but agreed to stop by anyway.

Leaving the cemetery in Dad's sedan, I said, "Look guys, you don't really have to go with me to Donnie's parents. I'm going to go just because I said I would. I'll take you home, then go over there. I should be back in about an hour or less."

"Sounds like a plan Bro," Mandy said. "I'll be glad to get on some casual clothing. We can eat when you get back."

"I'll go with you, if you want," Chris offered.

"Nah Babe," I declined. "You only met Donnie once and I'm sure Ben would like some company at home. I'll hurry since Mandy and I still need to go to Ed's office."

"I'd like to go to Ed's too, if I may," Chris asked. "I know Dr. Mel and Pop were not my real parents, but I love them just the same."

"I think that would be fine," Mandy interjected. "I suspect that Chris is going to be a permanent fixture in our family so I think it's appropriate."

"Ben and I will be alright by ourselves," Rick added. "I want to get even from the beating he gave me shooting pool last night."

"Fat chance, Bro," Ben said with a grin.

"Well, I guess it's all settled then," I concluded.

At the home of Donnie's parents, I was greeted warmly, then I circulated amongst the guests, making small talk with some of the adults and a few younger people I recognized from school. I politely nibbled on a few of the snacks that had been provided. Watching Donnie's parents, I knew that this whole ordeal had to be terribly difficult for them, particularly since Donnie was their only child. Nevertheless they seemed to hold up bravely. While there I got a new understanding of the trauma that having lost a child can inflict upon the parents. My heart really reached out to them.

One of the people I saw there was Steve, who I knew from school and who had delivered such a fine eulogy. We talked for a few minutes. I could see that he was heartbroken. I couldn't help wonder if he might have been secretly in love with his best friend, Donnie.

After about 20 minutes I was ready to say my goodbyes, so I looked for the Smiths. Seeing them, I walked over to where they were talking to another couple.

"Mr. and Mrs. Smith," I said breaking in. "Forgive me for interrupting. I'm afraid I have to go. I've a meeting this afternoon with our attorney about our parents," I explained.

"Thank you for coming," Mrs. Smith said with a sad smile. "Goodbye."

"I'm glad I could be here," I said as I prepared to go.

"Can you spare a minute?" Mr. Smith asked.

"Of course Sir," I responded.

"Let's go into my study where we can talk privately," he suggested.

I nodded and followed him into the nearby room. Closing the door, he joined me, sitting next to me on the other of two chairs on the `visitor' side of his desk.

"I still feel bad about your car," Mr. Smith began. "I know that insurance will replace it, but I'd like you to have Donnie's pickup to compensate for your inconvenience."

I was surprised and quickly thought over the offer.

"Mr. Smith, I really do thank you for thinking of me, but I have what might be a better idea," I responded. "I know Steve Jenkins from school and a bit socially. I know too that he and Donnie were always best friends and that Steve's parents are not able to afford a car for him. I think that if you gave the pick-up to him, it would be best. I know he'd appreciate it."

"What a wonderful gesture!" Mr. Smith said with tears coming to his eyes.

"Thank you," I said as humbly as I could manage. "I was really moved by Steve's eulogy. He deserves the truck."

"I'll tell him you suggested it," Mr. Smith said.

"I'd rather you didn't," I replied. "Let him think it's your idea."

"If that's the way you want it, Jeff, then I agree. I can't thank you enough. I know that Steve will be delighted. I just wish I'd thought of it myself."

"Just have him call me when he wants it. I can either deliver it to him or he can come over and pick it up," I offered.

"I'll make sure he has your number," Mr. Smith said.

"Thanks," I said rising, "now I really need to go."

Mr. Smith stood and extended his hand.

"God bless you Jeff," he said. "You're a good man. We'll pray for the safety of your parents."

"Thank you Sir. We appreciate it. Goodbye."

After returning home and changing clothes, I joined the others. We had a quick lunch and then Mandy, Chris and I headed for the office of Ed Macgregor, Dad's lawyer. His office was in a gleaming glass tower in Century City, north of downtown L.A., so the trip took the better part of an hour. I had been there only once before but I recognized the building immediately. It was marked with the letters spelling out only one word, Turner'. After putting our car in the parking garage we entered the building and found the elevators. When a car came, we stepped inside and I pushed the 40' button. After a quick ascent the doors opened and we moved forward, finding ourselves in the lobby of Samuels, Johnson, Macgregor and Pearlman, the law firm where Ed was a partner.

I walked over to the receptionist's desk and announced, "We have an appointment with Ed Macgregor."

"Your name Sir?" the receptionist asked as she looked at a list.

"Jeffrey Richards," I replied simply.

"Thank you Sir," she replied as she picked up the phone. "I'll announce your arrival. Please have a seat."

A minute later Ed appeared and approached us.

"Hi Guys, I'm glad you could make it," Ed said smiling as he offered his hand in a very businesslike manner. "Let's go into a conference room."

We arose and followed after everyone shook his hand.

We entered a beautiful room with a conference table that could have easily seated 20 people. Gathering toward one end, we all took our places. An attractive woman came in and placed a file in front of Ed, then asked if anyone would like coffee, water or a soft drink. The four of us asked for water. She turned and stepped to a small built-in refrigerator, extracting 4 plastic bottles of water and then placed them in front of us.

"Will there be anything else Sir?" she asked Ed.

"No, Clarissa. Thank you," Ed responded.

She exited the room, closing the door quietly.

I began.

"Ed, Mandy and I wanted to talk about what will happen if our parents aren't found quickly. First though, we'd like to know if you've heard anything today about them?"

"I spoke with Agent Johnson this morning and so far there's little progress," he reported. "I'm nearly as impatient as you are." He continued, "I've done something however that I hope you'll approve."

"What's that?" Amanda asked.

"I have an attorney friend in Las Vegas by the name of Terry Cannon. We have a case together and we were speaking on the telephone yesterday about it. The conversation came around to your parents. The story about their death was in the Las Vegas paper and Terry knew that they were my clients. I told him of the false report and that they were missing. I further told him of my frustration in getting news of the investigation. He made a suggestion. One of his personal clients is a multimillionaire by the name of Ron Turner. He, along with his partner, his brother and his brother's partner, own several companies. One of them, headed by his brother Tyler is called Aztec-Turner Security."

"I've heard of them," I stated. "They take care of the security at our house and also at Dad's office."

"Yes," Ed said nodding. "They also have an investigation division that is widely recognized as having the best private investigation teams in the country."

I began to see where the conversation was going, and it perked up my interest, and especially the part about `partners'. Hmmm. I wondered if Chris was thinking what I was.

"Another thing," Ed continued, "They have connections with Homeland Security, and last year they bought the leading European private investigation company. That company is headquartered in Great Britain but with offices all over the continent."

He handed Amanda and me brochures on the company which he said had been hand-delivered.

"I'm sure they're very expensive to hire," I guessed, looking at the impressive presentation document.

"Yes, they're not cheap, but believe me, you're far from broke."

"What to do you recommend?" Mandy asked.

"It's really going to be your decision, but personally, I'm in favor of hiring them," Ed replied. When I finished my conversation with Terry, he offered to talk to his client and friend, Ron Turner about it. He must have, because an hour later, Ron's brother Tyler called me personally. He's flying over here from Las Vegas tomorrow, even though they have a very capable office staff right here in this tower. By the way, Ron Turner owns this building. Unless you tell me you're definitely not interested, we have an appointment with him. I'm to pick him up at John Wayne Airport at 10 AM. We'll come directly to your house."

"Sounds good to me," I said looking at Amanda. "They seem to have impeccable credentials and recommendations."

"It's certainly well worth exploring," Amanda agreed. "We'll be home."

I looked at Chris. He made it clear with hand signals that it was a decision that Mandy and I had to make, not him.

"Can we talk a bit about what we do until we know about our parents?" Mandy requested.

"Of course," Ed responded. "First I want to emphasize that your parents gave me complete power of attorney in their absence. That means that I'll see that all the bills are paid, and your parents' business interests are taken care of. Except for finding your parents, managing their affairs has top priority with me. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask. I've been in touch with Frank so that all of the household items are covered. If either of you need anything, all you have to do is call me, or tell Frank."

"What about school?" Amanda asked.

"You parents have a substantial educational trust set up for both of you," he answered. "When you need money for your schooling, just let me know and I'll get it to you immediately. Frank also told me about your and Chris' allowances. The money will be deposited weekly into you accounts, as always. What do you want to do about Ben?"

"I'm not really sure," I answered. "I really think that he would prefer to go back home, in spite of the problems he faces there. I think he's having a hard time adjusting to `life on the hill.' Maybe I'm wrong. I love the kid, but his upbringing is so different, I'm not sure that he'll adjust."

"I'll put a couple hundred dollars extra per week in your account, Jeff," Ed offered. "That way he can have pocket money. You can just say that it's his allowance. Maybe when we get this thing with your parents taken care of, we can find a better direction. One thing though, and I hate to even say it, if worse comes to worse and your parents are not living, I don't think you need the extra burden of Ben. He's a minor and it would be the devil for you to get permanent guardianship, especially since you're a minor too."

"What about me?" Chris asked.

"Technically you're a ward of Jeffrey and Mel," Ed answered. "They told me that as far as you're concerned, you're their son. In such a case, you became my responsibility until they are found. If you need anything, or even need to talk to someone, I'm here for you."

"That's very generous of you," Chris said with obvious relief.

Ed looked at Chris and smiled. "It's more than business, Chris. Jeff and Mel are my two best friends. Jeff and I go back a long way. I'd do this for free if it was necessary."

"Have you heard anything about replacing my car?" I asked.

"Yes, I talked to the insurance company today," Ed responded. "You can go out tomorrow afternoon and pick out a new one because yours was totaled. I'll deposit sufficient money in your account so that you can write a check. You have to buy one just like the one you had before though."

"That's fine. I loved my Z. What about a car for Chris?" I asked. "My Dad said that he could get one when they got back from Europe. Now who knows how long that will be?"

Ed paused for a moment, thinking about my question.

"He can have one equivalent to the cost of yours," Ed decided aloud. "If Jeff or Mel have a problem with that when they return, they can take it up with me. I'll put the money in his account."

"How much will you put in there?" I asked.

"Based on the estimated cost of a new Z like yours, I'll put $38,000 in each of your accounts. That should more than cover it. Just remember that the money has to be the total cost, not just the sticker price. There are taxes, registration and all the other stuff dealers add on."

"I'm sure we can get a good deal," I said with assurance.

"I'll go with you if you'd like," Ed offered.

"No thanks, we can do it."

"Just call me before you leave the dealer's lot so I can make sure you're covered with insurance," Ed directed.

"Yes Sir," I said with a floppy salute.

"Since you're spending all our parents' money, would you tell us about our parents' financial assets?" Mandy said returning to her earlier concerns.

"As I'm sure you know," Ed answered, "you both come from families with old money. Your grandparents set up trust funds for you years and years ago. Either of you could live comfortably, but not lavishly, on your trusts alone. Until you are 23, you have no control over the trusts, but until then you receive a stipend each month. I can assure you that most of the revenue from the trust goes back into the trusts' investments and only a small part is distributed to you. Each of your trusts is worth nearly $20 million. Because of Chris' arrival, Jeff and Mel decided to set up a separate trust out of their own money for Chris. It's initial funding is $10 million."

"Wow!" Chris said, hardly believing what he'd just heard.

"Yes, Chris," Your dividend checks will start coming out next month. As for the net worth of your parents, it is far more than that. Between the inheritance they've received from their own parents, and the assets they've accumulated as successful business people, they are worth approximately $188 million, not including the house, which by the way is paid for. The taxes are expensive, and the upkeep is fairly high, but it's only a small dent in their income. From a money perspective, I can assure you that you have nothing to be concerned about."

"That's what I wanted to know," Mandy replied, satisfied. "Thanks."

"You're welcome Mandy. By the way, I've looked into Rick's family, just out of curiosity. They're loaded."

"I figured as much," Mandy replied. "I've been to their estate. It boggles the mind. I wouldn't care if he was penniless though. He's the man for me, and I love his parents too."

"If they're like their son, I'm sure they're great people," Ed commented. "He left a very favorable first impression on me."

"He gets better and better the more you know him," I added. "Mandy is a lucky girl."

"And Mandy knows it," Mandy said grinning.

"Have we covered everything?" Ed asked.

I looked around. Mandy seemed satisfied, but when I looked at Chris I suddenly remembered.

"Uh Ed," I said, knowing that Chris was too uncertain of himself to speak out, "Chris asked if there was any way he could see his brothers and sisters. You know maybe take them out for the day or for lunch or something, or maybe have them over?"

"Hmmmm," Ed pondered. "Let me look into it. It's going to be difficult, but let's see what I can manage."

"We'd both appreciate it," I said gratefully.

"Anything else?" Ed asked.

"No," I responded looking again at Mandy and Chris for agreement and getting it. "We'll get out of your hair."

"It was a pleasure," Ed replied with a smile. I'll see you tomorrow with Mr. Turner."

We all shook hands and after saying goodbye to Ed, returned to our car.

Chris' POV

I couldn't believe it! I could hardly walk back to the car I was in such a daze. Ten Million Dollars! My sperm donor won't make that much in his whole life! A new car too! Man, I never dreamed of having my own car, much less a new one! The best part though was being able to see my brothers and sisters. I sure hope Ed can work miracles.

Once we got back to the car, I took the back seat of the Mercedes sedan while Jeff took the wheel and Mandy rode shotgun. Jeff started the car and soon we were on our way home.

As we drove, Mandy turned in her seat and asked, "What kind of car are you going to get Chris?"

"Gosh, I don't know. I never dreamed I'd get one. I mean, I was thinking of maybe seeing if I could buy Donnie Smith's pickup. I have over $2000 I've saved from my allowance."

"Not a chance, kiddo," Jeff interjected. "Donnie's parents are going to give that pick-up to Steve Jenkins."

"Oh. What kind of car do you think I should get?" I asked.

"It's up to you," he answered. "You can get a Z like mine or a pickup or whatever you like."

"I think I'd like a small SUV," I thought aloud. "If we went to camp again next summer we could haul all our stuff by just putting the seats down. It would be handy because we can get more than two people in it too."

"This boy has brains," Mandy smiled. "It's sure more practical than another two-seater."

"Agreed," Jeff said proudly. "That's my man!"

I could see Jeff checking out the blush on my face in the rear view mirror. I wasn't used to the praise. I was embarrassed but oh so happy. I sure hoped Jeff could also see more than the evidence displayed by my red face. I knew if he looked a bit lower, he'd see my shit eating grin too.

I needed to say something. I spit out the first thought that came to my mind.

"I kinda like Ford Explorers," I hedged.

"They're really nice and in the right price range," S.J. agreed. "You might want to look at Nissan and Toyotas too though. They have some pretty Gucci models."

"Well, shopping for cars will keep your minds off worrying about the folks for a little while," Mandy assessed. "I'm sure that Rick and Ben would like to go shopping with you too."

"Speaking of Rick and you," Jeff said, changing the subject, "when do you two have to go back East?"

"I really need to go back in a week," Mandy reported, "probably Friday, a week from tomorrow."

"I wish you could stay longer Sis," Jeff commented. "It's really great having you around."

Although I didn't say it, I thought so too.

"Thanks Bro," she replied with a genuine smile. "I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed being here with you guys. I know Rick is enjoying it too. It's just too bad it all had to happen under these circumstances."

"Maybe adversity has helped to bring us closer at last," Jeff ventured.

"I wouldn't be surprised, Jeff, not at all," Mandy agreed.

It was good to be home. So much had happened since returning from our counseling at camp that my mind had been bouncing around like a Mexican jumping bean. All I wanted was to have a quiet evening. It was not likely to happen, at least not tonight, but I knew that if I had Jeff by my side, ultimately everything would work out fine. I thought of the night before when I held him in my arms and we made love. Knowing that it would happen again later was enough, in comparison, to make all my other concerns small potatoes.