This story is a work of fiction. The events in this story are fictional. The characters in this story do not exist and any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. Any use of celebrity or other real persons is entirely fictional and in no way reflects upon their actual sexual orientation. This story contains erotic and/or sexually explicit activities between consenting adults. If you are under age, find this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not read it.
The Captain of My Dreams – Part 26 By tmabare ©2014
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- From Part 25 * * *
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"No, we are about to land at London City." Ted's blood pressure was still sky high, "Before we land, I need to know two things."
"Yes, sir."
"Do you realize there is a problem and do you want help?"
"Yes, I just don't know what to do."
Ted practically fell into his seat and reached for the phone, "Good, I'm happy you said that. First of all, I am going to help you."
Dustin could feel a change in Ted, "But?"
"Dustin, just so we're clear you violated your employment contract and my trust."
Once again, Dustin's head sunk. "I'm sorry, Ted."
"So am I, Dustin, so am I."
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- Part 26 * * *
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"No, you don't understand. I need to tell you more."
Ted closed his eyes and thought of all the things that could come next, he set the phone back in the cradle. "Go ahead."
Dustin was once again looking down at his feet, "Ted, I've been using my company account to buy..."
"Oh, fuck, Dustin." Ted could feel his face turning red, "How long?"
"Since we came back from Ibiza."
"You know what this means, right?"
"Ted, please..."
"Dustin, I'm going to help you get clean, but that's it. You're done working for me. I can never trust you again."
"But..." Dustin had tears in his eyes.
"I'm sorry. I love you like a brother, but you betrayed that. You betrayed me and worst of all you put Devon in jeopardy."
"I know, I thought I loved him. But, I..."
"Don't say another word. Don't destroy what last bit of respect I have for you. Don't tell me anything I am going to have to repeat to Devon. We both deserve one last good memory of the man you used to be."
Sitting in the lobby of Freedom Health, Teddy was thinking of the ways he wanted to harm Dustin. Not only had he betrayed his trust, but he had hurt Devon. Now he was sitting here waiting for Devon to be tested, sick to his stomach.
"So, he's on his way to a rehab clinic overseas."
Devon just kept looking at the floor, "I still can't believe you're doing that for him."
"He was my friend." Teddy sat there for a minute, "Things will never be the same between us, but I don't just throw people away."
"What happens when he's done?"
Teddy wasn't sure how to respond. Half of him wanted to sugar coat the situation for Devon, but he deserved the truth. "He's done with the company. He has his savings, I hope. Plus he is still young enough to get another job somewhere. The company will provide him with a reference, but that's it Devon."
"So, after all these years you just..."
"I didn't do anything Devon." Teddy frowned, "This was all his doing. He knew my feelings about this type of situation for years. I guess we've never had this discussion. I don't tolerate any forms of illegal drug use in my employees. I have too much to lose, plus I don't like to see people throw their lives away. If they want to do it, go somewhere it's legal and game on. But, don't involve me or my company. Plus, on top of it, he risked your life. That is something I can't forgive, if you want to that's up to you."
Devon shook his head, "That's not going to happen. I will always care for him, he was my first. At the same time, he lied to me. Above all else, you are right, he played Russian roulette with my life and his." Devon was having a hard time holding back the tears, "But that doesn't change my feelings right now. I feel like someone kicked me in the gut. It hurts that he did this to me."
"You will survive, I promise. And as hard as it is to believe, you will come out of this stronger." Teddy tried to smile, "Plus, you will find someone else who will treat you like you deserve."
"You sound like you know from personal experience."
"If you only knew. That's a subject for another day, but yes." This wasn't the place for Ted to tell his story to Devon. "So, did he say anything when he called you earlier?"
"That he was sorry. That he didn't mean to but he couldn't help himself." Devon was shaking his head, "You know, he said you would understand. Do you?"
"No, I sure don't." Ted thought back to everything he knew about Dustin. "I think he's been keeping this side of him a secret for a very long time. I knew he had problems with alcohol, but never knew more. This wasn't something he just started though. The sexual aspect is something I will never get. Did he tell you about his past?"
"Just bits and pieces." Devon looked off into space for a moment, "Looking back, there were so many things that bothered me. Things I've kept from you. I can't believe I was so stupid."
"Devon, you weren't being stupid. You were just in love. That IS something I can understand and relate to."
The nurse stepped into the room, "Mr. Baker."
"Here we go. I'm so glad you're here with me." As Devon said it, Ted was sure he was going to break down.
Walking in the living room, Edward wasn't surprised to find Teddy on the couch with a drink. He walked around and leaned down to kiss him. "Hey."
"Hey, babe." Teddy was happy to see Edward, but it didn't really alter his depressed mood.
"Where's Devon?"
Teddy took another drink of his Mojito, "He's in his room. He finally went to try to get some sleep a little while ago."
Edward fell onto the couch, "What the fuck?"
"I know. It's worse than I told you earlier." As he said it, Ted was thinking that his drink was not barely big enough. "Dustin has been using his corporate expense account to buy the shit."
Edward couldn't think of anything to say. He knew how much Teddy cared for Dustin and how much trust he had in him. Sitting there he realized this was going to be a time he needed a drink when he got home. He stood and walked towards the bar.
"I'm trying to figure out exactly how much he's spent."
"You're doing it? Isn't that something you should leave to someone else?" Edward reached for a normal glass and then thought better of it. He found the largest there was and started pouring.
Ted shrugged his shoulders, "I try to do these type of things myself. I'm really not sure. To top that off, I'm scared to ask Devon if Dustin borrowed any money."
"I don't even want to think about that."
"Me either." Teddy took another drink.
"So, where is he?"
"On a QANTAS flight, headed to Australia."
"Huh?"
Teddy almost laughed, "There's a rehab clinic in Byron Bay, called The Sanctuary. We've used it before for key employees."
Edward was shaking his head, "Would have liked to have gotten my hands on him before you put him on that plane."
"Believe me, it took everything in my power to not break his neck when he told me what he'd done. I know I'm supposed to be his friend and I should support him, but..."
"You're his boss also. He broke your trust, not alone what he did to Devon. For me, that is enough for me to..."
"I know, babe, I know." Teddy finished off his drink and stood to get another one. "I've got Vladimir searching both flats and all the aircraft. Could you imagine what would happen if we landed somewhere and he had drugs onboard?" Teddy rolled his eyes in disgust. "Then add to it, I can't tell you what it was like to go to Freedom Health with Devon this afternoon. That's something I don't even want to have to do with a family member again."
"I didn't even think about that." Edward looked down at this shoes, "I should have gone with him, not you."
"Babe, you were working. He knew that."
"Doesn't matter." Edward was kicking himself for not thinking of taking the afternoon off to be there for Devon.
Teddy walked back to the couch with his drink and another one for Edward, "Here, you look like you need another one."
"You're right."
"Where's Bess?"
"Damn, I know I forgot to tell you, your mom came and got her earlier. She got off early and wanted to take Elizabeth shopping and out to dinner."
"Probably a good idea. Has she picked up on what's been going on?"
"No, Vladimir took her to the park when this all started. He kept her entertained for most of the day until your mother picked her up."
"He's going above and beyond, lately."
"Yes, he is. Did I tell you he refused a promotion?"
"What? What promotion?"
"The Board decided he should take over his father's empty position as Director of Security for the European Division. He turned it down."
"Wow, did he say way?"
"Yeah, he said he didn't want to leave us. Said he had made a promise to his dad and he wasn't going to split his time."
Edward waited a minute, "I have to say this... I'm fucking ecstatic. I don't worry when he is around and in charge of things."
"I am too, babe."
They sat quietly looking out the windows, no one saying anything. After a while, Edward noticed that Ted had music playing and starting listening to it. He loved the voice, but didn't know the singer. "Babe, who is this?"
"Adele."
Edward listened a few more minutes, "She's incredible."
"Yes, she is. She's one of my favorites. I'd love to go to one of her concerts."
Making a mental note of that, Edward knew he would start searching tomorrow.
Teddy looked over his shoulder as he heard someone walking into the living room. He was surprised to see Devon, "You okay?"
"No, but I don't feel like being alone. Hope you don't mind."
Edward stood and walked over to him, "Of course we don't mind." Edward pulled Devon into a hug, "I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you today. Do you need anything?"
"A drink?"
"Sit, I'll make you one."
Devon sat in one of the leather chairs across from the couch. "What are you going to do with him?"
"What do you mean?" Teddy wasn't sure exactly how he meant the question.
"The police?" Devon sounded hopeful when he asked it.
Ted couldn't help but shake his head, "Devon, he stole from the company."
There was a frown on Devon's face, "I understand, I just wasn't sure."
Edward was confused, "Wait, after everything he's done..."
"I'm sorry, don't get me wrong. I don't ever want anything to do with him again, but I don't want to see him in jail. I must be crazy, because I'd like to see him get run over by a truck, but..."
"I understand completely, I've been there." Ted took another large swallow of his drink as Edward handed Devon one.
"Thanks."
Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy, "I'm going to jump in the shower and then I say we all go out to eat."
"John Hillsgrove."
"Dr. Hillsgrove, I'm sorry to bother you. This is Margaret Josephson, I'm the charge nurse tonight at Coastal Harbor, we're having an issue with one of your patients."
"Which one Ms. Josephson?" John was sitting in the car on his way home.
"Anthony Jackson."
John made a u-turn, cutting a vehicle off as he did it, "I'm on my way."
"Where do you want to go?" The three were walking to the car, with Edward in the lead.
Teddy looked at Devon, "You pick."
It took him no time at all to think of where he wanted to go. "How about the Spaghetti House, by the barracks."
A smile formed on Edward's face, "Perfect. Babe, have you ever been there?"
"I don't think so, is it good?"
"Oh yeah, it's a favorite of the regiment. I can't believe you've never been."
Traffic wasn't too bad and the trip was quick. The driver was able to find a space close to the restaurant. Walking in Teddy was sure he hadn't been there but he liked what he was seeing. The atmosphere was nice and the staff seemed happy and friendly. There were some people in uniform that Ted recognized. As they were walking to their table both Edward and Devon stopped and talked to several of the regimental members eating.
Sitting down at the table Teddy was smiling finally. "This place seems really nice. I forgot how much you both love Italian."
"Oh and you don't?" Edward was laughing as he said it.
"Guilty."
"Dr. Hillsgrove, I'm sorry to have had to bother you. The file said to notify you immediately if there are any changes."
John walk walking to the counter and was handed the file, "Nothing to be sorry about. What kind of problem is he having?"
"He was very upset earlier, borderline violent. He kept repeating over and over that he wanted to see someone."
Catching up on the notes, John was not happy. "Let me guess... Someone named Teddy."
"He's saying the name over and over and crying."
Flipping through the chart, John saw the problem. "Who changed his meds?
"Dr. Whitmore thought he was being over medicated."
"Mr. Jackson is my patient. You will reinstate his meds as I prescribed. I will deal with Dr. Whitmore."
"When is your lunch with the Queen?"
Edward's eyes opened wide, "Shit, tomorrow, I almost forgot. With everything going on, that would have been bad. Can you imagine what kind of shit I would have been?"
Teddy had his head on Edward's chest, "You would have remembered. Still no clue as to what it's about?"
"No and Harry claims to not know anything either."
"Does she do this often?"
"No clue, babe."
As Teddy was about to ask another question, there was a knock at their bedroom door. "Come in."
Devon came in and instantly they could tell he had been crying, but he was holding a game remote. "Edward, you want to play?"
"I'm home." John was quickly surrounded by the boys. He put his briefcase down and picked them both up. "Where's mommy?"
"In the kitchen." Dylan was playing with John's tie as he said it.
Matthew leaned closer, "Mommy's mad at you, daddy."
"I know Matthew, your daddy is late for dinner. He had a late patient." John said it as he walked into the kitchen, making sure Laura could hear him.
"Boys, go wash up." Laura's voice wasn't her normal mad voice. This was much more.
John carefully set the twins down, "You heard your mother, go on." He stood back up, and waited for them to leave the room. "What's wrong?"
"I got a very interesting call a little while ago from Darlene Whitmore."
John tried to sound surprised, which he was, but more nervous. "Oh really, how is she?"
"John don't' play the innocent act with me. She's concerned and after hearing what she had to say, so am I. What's this about you overmedicating and sedating a patient into a catatonic state?"
John didn't say anything, he just looked at his wife.
"John? Are you going to tell me she's wrong?"
"Darlene Whitmore needs to mind her own fucking business. This is one of my long-term care patients who was committed. I'm sorry she doesn't agree with my treatment plan, but he's my patient not hers. I wish everyone would just mind their own fucking business."
Laura just stood there looking at her husband. She'd known this man since college and never seen him act like this before. Something was not right and he was hiding something. "I take it this is something aren't going to explain and you're going to tell me to mind my own business too?"
"In this case, yes." John didn't say anything, he just turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Edward walked into the flap carrying an envelope. "We got our invitation to William and Kate's wedding this afternoon."
Teddy smiled and took the invitation from Edward, "The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by The Queen to invite Captain Edward Smythe and Theodore James Jackson to the marriage of His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales with Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on Friday, 29th April, 2011 at 11:00 a.m."
"I can't believe I got an invitation."
"What do you mean, babe?" Teddy sounded as confused by the statement as he was.
"Well, I should be part of the processions. Kinda hard to be in two places at once."
Teddy lost his smile, "Yeah, I didn't even think about that. Guess I'll be going by myself."
"I'll find out tomorrow what the plans are for me." Edward sat on the couch, "Speaking of plans, how are the real wedding plans coming?"
Ted laughed, "The hotel is booked, the ceremony is arranged, and the honeymoon plans are confirmed."
"Bora Bora, I can't wait."
"Me either. We got the bungalow we wanted. Jake finalized all of the arrangements we need for the flights. He had some problems with fuel on Bora Bora but that got worked out."
"Going to be a great time." Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy, "My mother wants to take Bess for the weekend."
"The whole weekend?" Teddy did his best impression of Edward's eyebrow wiggle.
The smile Teddy loved so much appeared on Edward's lips, "I'm thinking we need to get out of here and go to Windsor for the weekend."
"That works for me. It's about time we used the house. With everything going on we haven't spent much time there."
"Darlene, Laura." As she said it, Laura looked around to make sure she was alone. She didn't like sneaking around, but John was leaving her very little options. "I talked to him and I don't like the reaction I got."
"I'm so sorry to put you in this position, Laura. Any idea why he would do it?" Darlene Whitmore was an old friend of Laura's.
Sitting on a lounge chair, Laura rolled her eyes. "None. I've never known him to medicate a patient like you described. It goes against everything he has ever talked about with me. When we were in med school he would get into arguments about heavy medication."
"Laura, I know. I once prescribed something far less than this and he jumped my case about it. Today when he called me... if I didn't know him better I'd swear he was going to threaten me."
Laura sat there thinking, she didn't want to even have the thoughts she was having. "I know, I got the same feeling earlier." Looking at her watch, she stood up. "Darlene, I better get back inside. I'll look into this more without letting him know."
"Thanks, Laura. I don't like this."
"I'll let you know what I find." Laura hung up the phone and headed back inside.
Walking into the kitchen, John was standing by the counter staring at her. "So, what was that about?"
"What do you mean?"
"Walking outside to make phone calls, that's not like you?"
She didn't speak at first, just looked at the man she had loved for years. "You're one to talk, John. What is going on with you? I'm not sure I'm liking this side of you. After all the years I've known you, today you start acting like a completely different man."
"There are things you just need to not try to get involved with and this situation is one of them. Laura, you have to promise me that you will let this go."
"John Hillsgrove, what the hell are you talking about? WHO do you think you're talking to? I'm your wife and the mother of your children. We've been together for how many years and you are suddenly someone different. I don't even know who you are."
Part of him was breaking inside, this was not how this was supposed to be. This was something that was his and his alone to deal with. His burden, no one else's. "La, this is just..."
"John, don't you dare... don't let some patient come between us."
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, John ran through his options. There was only one way he could see out of this that wouldn't ruin his marriage. At the same time, this could destroy his entire family. The way he saw it she was going to find out the truth whether he told her or she found it for herself eventually.
"Fine, I will explain everything to you, but I need you to wait until we get back from Canada. I promise I will make it all clear. Please, La, just trust me until then."