Aging Out: 8
Billy Preston was about to piss his pants. Deputy Gates and another office picked him up earlier in the day, and now he was sitting in an interrogation room in the McCurtain County Sheriff's Department.
Billy's mother burst through the door and yelled, "Billy, what the hell is going on. I got a call at the cafe saying you were arrested."
"I don't know momma. They just put me in here and said they were calling you. They won't tell me anything," Billy said as he started to cry.
Next Deputy Gates and another man entered the room. "I'm Assistant District Attorney Fisher. I believe you already know Deputy Gates..."
"Why have you arrested my boy?!" Abigail Preston yelled, "He ain't done nothing wrong."
Fisher turned on a tape recorder and said, "Be advised that this interview is being recorded. Present are Billy Preston, Abigail Preston, Deputy Gates, and myself ADA Fisher." Fisher then read to Billy and his mother the standard Maranda warning and asked whether they understood their rights.
"Yes, we understand our rights, and we have a right to know what's going on!" Abigail Preston
"Billy, do you understand your rights?" Fisher asked.
"Yes sir, I do."
"Good. Mrs. Preston, you are here because Billy is only 16. Do you want a private attorney or a private defender?"
"We ain't got money for no fancy lawyer."
Gates opened the door and motioned for a 20-something woman to enter. "This is Pamala Jeffries. She's been appointed by the court to represent Billy," Fisher said. "I will inform you of the potential charges and then give you and your attorney time to confer before continuing the interview. Billy Preston, you are under investigation for assault and battery, vandalism, and trespassing. Deputy Gates, is there anything I am missing?"
Gates wrote a note and handed it to Fisher.
"I almost forgot. You may also be charged with a hate crime."
"Hate crime?!" Abigail Preston stood up and yelled, "What the hell is going on?"
"Deputy Gates said, "Two days ago there was an attack on a young gay man. We have reason to believe Billy was present during the attack."
Mrs. Preston sank into her chair and Billy hung his head.
"We'll let you confer with your attorney," Fisher said and turned off the recorder.
Out in the office area, Fisher asked Gates what he thought.
"Did you see the bruise on Billy's cheek?"
"Yeah."
"The victim said he heard someone, he thought a kid, trying to stop the attack. He also thought he heard the kid being hit for trying to intervene."
"You think Billy was trying to stop the attack?"
"Yes, gay bashing is more his brother Rex's MO."
"Unfortunately, it's Billy's prints on the spray paint can. Let's see if he is willing to take the bullet for his brother."
As Gates and Fisher were talking, Rex Preston was brought in on unrelated charges of driving on a suspended license. Suddenly, Rex noticed his brother and mother through the interrogation room window. "What are they doing here!?" Rex yelled. When no one answered, Rex got louder and more agitated.
Finally, Gates walked over and said, "Rex, you'd better calm down or we are going to have to use additional restraints."
"Why are my brother and mother here, and with a public defender?"
"Do you know Ms. Jeffries?"
"Yes," Rex said. "She's represented me before. I want to talk to her now."
Gates looked at the arresting deputy and said, "You heard him; he wants to see his lawyer. Put him in two, and I'll get Ms. Jeffries."
Gates walked over to the interrogation room, knocked on the door, and explained to Jeffries that another of her clients needed to see her."
Fisher had a puzzled look, and said to Gates, "What are you doing?"
"Hopefully justice."
In the end Rex stepped up to save his brother. He confessed to being part of the attack on Austin. He also identified the group leader, Gary Jones, and another accomplice. Rex also confirmed Gates' suspicion of events, said Billy wasn't aware of what the group was planning, and explained the reason his fingerprints were on the paint cans was because he was forced to carry them.
When deputies went to pick up Jones he fired two shots at them, then led them on a high speed chase. The chase ended with Jones being killed when his car ran off a curve and hit a tree. A couple of weeks after Jones' death, ADA Fisher met with Austin to talk about his case.
"Okay Austin, Rex Preston and the other accomplice are both asking for a plea deal in exchange for avoiding a trial. Obviously, with Rex's confession, conviction is a slam dunk. However, how do you feel about punishment for your attackers?"
Austin looked at Tyce who nodded. Austin said, "I would prefer not to testify at a trial and really just want to put this behind me. Tyce and I have talked, and I don't intend to submit a victim's statement or even attend the sentencing. I guess what I am saying is that I am not interested in revenge, particularly after Rex manned up and took the heat off his brother. I figure anyone who does that has to have some redeeming quality."
"That is really big of you", Fisher said. "I agree these two have a chance of turning their lives around. I plan to ask for the minimum sentence in a medium security facility along with mandatory counseling. Maybe, if we're lucky, Corrections will actually live up to its name."
On the way home, Tyce looked at Austin and said, "You are a bigger man than me. I would have been demanding they bring back drawing and quartering."
"Well, I might have felt differently if we were talking about Gary Jones," Austin said, "but somehow I get the feeling the other two were desperate for someone to call a friend. It's like those two stooges that followed Draco Malfoy around in the Harry Potter series. They wanted to feel like they had a group. I know what it's like not to not fit in, and there were even times I might have considered being an ass if it meant having a cliche."
"Damn Austin, you are so smart and perceptive, you should be the one going to college. Have you ever thought about it?"
"Of course I've thought about it, but I never figured I would be in the position to make that a reality?"
"And now?"
Tyler thought for a minute, "Yeah, I think it might be a possibility. I have a job that's paying me good money. Especially with the tips from working at the Backwoods. More importantly, I would have a support group to help me."
"What do you think you would want to study?" Tyce asked.
"Okay, this might sound like hero worship, but I would maybe think about social work."
"Oh, when you said hero worship, I thought it might be hospitality."
Austin smiled, "That would be superhero worship."
"Nice save buddy. Just for that I'll let you see my superpowers tonight."
"I don't think eating a whole pizza by yourself is a superpower."
"Oh, you think you are so funny. Just wait until you feel the fury of Thor's hammer," Tyce bellowed dramatically.
Austin laughed and then winced. "Hey babe, are your ribs still sore?" Tyce asked.
"Most of the time I'm fine. It's just occasionally I twist, or in this case laugh, and there's a reminder. Also, I think the bed in Dirk's and Jay's spare room is substandard."
"Yes," Tyce said, "I think it is their way of making sure no one becomes too comfortable and stays too long."
"Well, I think we have stayed too long. I want to go back to our cabin tonight."
"Are you sure?"
"Look, I am physically mending, and I think it is time I get on with the mental stuff. The only thing is, you're going to need to hold me a lot."
"Austin, if you're still a bit afraid, we don't need to push moving back to the cabin just yet."
"I'm not afraid. You just need to hold me a lot," Austin said with a wicked smile.
"Oh."
That evening while watching the Rangers game with Dirk and Jay, Austin said, "I really want to go back to my regular jobs. Watching the desk and the store are driving me stir crazy."
"Do you think you are up for it?"
"Hell yes."
"Well," Dirk said, "We are behind on the mowing. Why don't you mow and trim up the meadow around the Backwoods and the cabins. Our first guests in the cabins are booked for this weekend."
"How many guests?" Tyce asked.
"Half of the cabins are reserved, and there could be several more bookings."
After ice cream, Austin and Tyce went down to their cabin. When Tyce opened the door, he picked up Austin and carried him in. Austin laughed, "You are crazy?" Then Tyce reached over and flipped a light switch.
"What the hell? We have lights!" Then Austin looked around. The walls were finished and painted. There was furniture and art on the walls. Over the bed hung the painting of him and Tyce shirtless in the hammock. "Babe, when did all of this happen?"
"Well, I've been helping get the cabins ready for the Independence Day opening, and when I had some downtime I would sneak in here to get things ready for your homecoming."
Tears started to run down Austin's cheeks. He grabbed Tyce and said, "Thank you, this means so much to me."
Tyce went over and turned the room A/C to high, then he looked at Austin, "In a few minutes, it's going to be perfect cuddling temperature in here."
Independence Day was the official grand opening of the cabins, but Dirk and Jay decided they needed a soft opening to get the kinks out. Word had got out about the success of the softball tournament, and out of the blue Dirk got a call from a group wanting to organize a gay Ultimate Frisbee tournament. When Dirk said he would offer them the cabins for half price, they jumped at the chance.
One of the cabins was being used as an office until the new permanent office could be built in the Fall and Dirk was meeting with Austin and Tyce.
"Okay boys we've got a problem, but a good problem. We've grown and look to be on the road to a great year. However, we are short on staff again with the cabins opening up. Last week Jay and I filed papers to create four LLCs, that way a problem with one part of the resort can't drag down the entire operation The business is really four businesses now. There is The Ledges, The Whitman Lodge, The Backwoods, and now Backwoods Boys Camp. The reason I am telling you this is because Jay and I have decided that we want to put you two in charge of Backwoods Boys Camp."
Tyce and Austin looked shocked and a bit scared.
Dirk chuckled, "Don't worry we're not setting you adrift. However, we want you to think of this as an internship. With Tyce going to school to get a degree in hospitality management, we thought this would be a good way for him to get some real world experience and build a resume. Austin, we don't know your future plans, but Jay and I have found that the true test of a relationship is if you can stand to run a business together. So, think of this as a life internship as well. I am going to go up to the lodge for an hour. When I come back, I am going to ask if you are okay with this plan."
When Dirk was gone Tyce looked at Austin, "So, is this too much, too soon."
"Do you trust Dirk and Jay?"
"What do you mean?"
"In the time I've known them, I have noticed that they make quick decisions, but never rash decisions. We might not be sure we are ready for this, but they must think we are. I think one of the hardest things for foster kids is to trust someone to be there if we need them. I think kids with families get used to the idea that someone will have their backs when the chips are down."
Tyce put his hands behind his head and looked at the ceiling, finally he said, "I just don't want to disappoint them."
"What do you think will disappoint them more: failing, or not trying?"
Tyce looked at Austin, and said, "Not trying."
Austin gave Tyce a kiss and said, "So, do we have our answer?"
"Yes."
When Dirk returned, he asked, "So what's your decision?"
Tyce said, "We want to do it."
"Great," Dirk said, "I was hoping I hadn't wasted money on these." Dirk handed Austin and Tyce each a bag. Austin and Tyce each pulled out polos with "Backwoods Boys Camp" embroidered on the upper right chest, and "Co-Manager" beneath it."
Austin and Tyce both grinned from ear to ear. Then Dirk said, "One more piece of business: the contract. I want each of you to read this before signing it, but let me give you the highlights. You will be responsible for the day to day management of the Backwoods Boys Camp. At first, most of the bookkeeping, budgeting, and reservations will be handled at the Whitman, but when the office is built and you have more experience, you will be expected to be involved with that aspect as well. You will be salaried employees. What that means is there is no overtime and no quitting time, but you also have a guaranteed income and benefits. Finally, each of you will get a limited 10 percent ownership of Backwoods Boys Camp, LLC."
"What?!" Tyce said with surprise, "You're giving us part of the business?"
"Yes," Dirk said, "Jay and I talked about it, and we decided it will be more meaningful to you if you guys also have some skin in the game. Also--"
Dirk stopped and yelled, "Jay get your butt in here. I'm not saying this next part without you."
Jay had been listening on the porch and he came in and put his arm around Dirk.
"Okay," Dirk said, and swallowed hard, "Jay and I see you as more than just employees, we see you as our family, so we would like you to think of these as your adoption papers."
Austin ran to Jay and Tyce to Dirk to give them hugs. Soon the four were laughing, crying, and hugging.
At lunch, Dirk filled the staff in on Austin and Tyce being put in charge of the BBC. Paul said, "If that's what you call it, people will expect tea and watercress sandwiches served at 4:00."
Austin replied, "Maybe we can put you in a white jacket and a black speedo and you can serve it around the pool."
"Hey, if that's what it takes to get in on the tip action around here, I'm all in," said Paul.
"Me too," chimed in Peter.
Jay said, "That's enough from you two. Now about this weekend. We will use the backside of the meadow for the Ultimate Tournament. The organizers said they would be out on Thursday to mark off two fields. The plan is to set up concessions stands out at the fields like we did for softball. Molly, will you be able to get food down to the fields and still feed the guests at the lodge?"
"Well, you guys do expect a lot from an old woman," Molly said with a smile. "I was thinking about the breakfast buffet in the dining room like normal. It might be a bit crowded but we can open the french doors and set up some additional tables on the deck. Also, my guess is that quite a few of the studs playing frisbee would rather sleep in than traipse up here in the morning, so we will have breakfast burritos available down there."
"That sounds like a plan for breakfast, what about lunch and supper," Jay asked.
"My cousin will be more than happy to work that weekend. Her daughter has gone and gotten pregnant," Molly shot her own daughters an evil look, "so she had to plan and pay for a quick wedding."
"Do people still do that shotgun wedding thing?" Tyce asked.
"They do if they are Hard Shell Baptists." Molly said.
"Something else we don't have to worry about," Austin said with a smile.
"So for lunch on Saturday, we'll do burgers and hotdogs in the concession stand and normal fair up here. As for supper Saturday night, you have to ask April. I'm delegating Saturday night meals to her and Emily. I'm going to the casino and win me some cash."
April and Emily looked shocked. Finally, April said, "Well the theme at the Backwoods on Saturdays is Caribbean, so I am thinking we will do a Jamaican BBQ--whatever that would be."
When the meeting ended, Austin and Jay went to the store room and laundry to pick up cleaning supplies and linens so the could get started on getting the cabins ready.
Tyce noticed the gift bags for the resort and asked, "Are we going to do that at the BBC?"
"That kind of thing doesn't really fit the concept of a Boy's Camp," Austin said.
"You're right. I think we need to develop a different experience at the BBC. I don't want guys to think of the cabins as just an `econo' version of The Whitman. I want this to be the Summer camp every gay boy dreamed of going to."
"So, let's just have shampoo and soap in the office for guys that need them. We can put up signs telling people that stuff is available in the office."
"Are we going to put the towels in the cabins," Tyce asked.
"I was thinking about that. I say we hand out towels when they check in, and then put a receptacle in the bathhouse to deposit the dirty ones."
"What about bedding?"
"I think we need to make up the rooms," Austin said. "Having them make their own beds would seem just too cheap."
"I agree," Tyce said.
"Of course, the other things in the gift bags are condoms and lube. What about those?" Asked Austin.
"I say we keep two fish bowls on the office counter: one with condoms and one with individual packets of lube. Hell if you are too embarrassed grabbing a condoms and lube from a fish bowl, you have no business being at a gay resort."
Austin laughed, and said, "Damn right!"
"What should we do about drinks and snacks?"
"Well this weekend, the concession stands will be open, but that is something we will need to talk with Dirk and Jay about."
Tyce and Austin loaded up the mule and headed down to the cabins. As they were making the beds Austin observed that the cabins didn't have any personality. "What should we do to make these cabins more interesting?"
"I know Jay is into photography and has tons of photos of the area," Tyce said, "What if we ask him if we could use some of his photos?"
"That is a great idea. It would add personality to the cabins and each cabin could be unique. Do you think Jay would let us put up a note about him, so guys would know something about the photographer?"
"I don't know. Jay always comes across as confident, but when it comes to things like that, he's self-conscious," Tyce said. "I think we might need to play that by ear."
"I get it. It is hard to put some parts of yourself out there. There was a guy in my high school choir who had an amazing voice, but he would never accept a solo part. What was amazing was he was also an amazing basketball player. He had ice in his veins on the court. You know the guy you wanted to have the ball in his hands when the game was on the line. However, his musical talent was too personal for him to share with anyone besides those he trusted completely."
"That is Jay exactly. Anything athletic, particularly extreme sports, he is the first to give it a try, but other areas he hangs back. Have you noticed that Dirk always seems to be the one in the lead. What's crazy is the entire Whitman Lodge and Ledges was Jay's idea. He just could never decide to go for it, until Dirk decided it for him. I guess one day Dirk came home from work and announced, `I quit today, you've been dreaming about and planning this resort for months. Well buddy, it's game on.' The next week they cashed out their savings, took out a loan, hit up all their friends as possible investors, and bought The Whitman."
"Wow, that explains a lot about those two. It's like they are ying and yang."
"You mean 6 and 9, don't you?" Tyce said with a smirk.
"Oh, I see the serious talking is done."
"Yeah, I think you know I have a limited attention span for adulting. However, one final thought... I think you are my Dirk," Tyce said and then kissed Austin.
During dessert, Jay asked, "When do Zeke and Donte have you guys scheduled to work at Backwoods this week?"
"Thursday, Friday, and Saturday," Tyce said.
"This isn't something we've talked about, but your moonlighting at the club is something we need to think through," Dirk said. "You have responsibilities at the BBC now. Guests aren't going to like it if they have a problem and have to track you down at the pool or bar."
"We understand," Austin said, "but we don't know what to do. The twins would love to work at the Backwoods, but they aren't old enough to serve drinks."
"What about us?" April asked.
"I don't know," Austin said, "A lot of guys like to swim naked."
"Hey boy," May said. "I am pretty sure, we've seen more cocks than you."
Austin blushed, and May leaned over and gave him a kiss, "Sorry buddy, that wasn't very nice. Besides I'm sure none of them were as pretty as you man's cock."
Now it was Tyce's turn to blush, and Dirk and Jay couldn't stop laughing.
Finally, Dirk was able to say, "I think April and May have a good idea. Some of the guys might be a bit shy at first, but I bet they will get over it pretty quickly. I think we should have one of you girls work with one of the boys. That way either Austin or Tyce can be in the office and one of you can be up here if we need help in the office."
"Hey, when did it start being okay to talk business during supper?" Tyce asked.
"Dirk and I decided that with the recent restructuring of the management team, we needed to move the time and location of the management meeting," Jay asked.
"When was it before?"
"After the Rangers' games in our bedroom." Dirk said.
"Well, as much as I would like to say and review the board minutes from the last year, "Tyce said, "we need to get down to the Backwoods." Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, the Backwoods wasn't busy until around seven when the locals and guys staying elsewhere started to show up and it was now 6:45.
As the boys were walking out of the door, Austin whispered in Tyce's ear, then the two turned back and said, "Good night Daddy Dirk and Daddy Jay." April and May hooted and neither Dirk or Jay could hide their smiles.