Exposed: Chapter 12
The next morning Kip was the last to arrive at Brock's car. "I can't believe it," he said. "The room looks and smells terrific. It was like some cleaning fairies came in the middle of the night."
Brock said, "The politically correct term is cleaning gays, and James and I would appreciate it if you would remember that." Kip and Lance both burst into laughter.
"On the drive down to Boston, the topic of colleges came up, and Lance mentioned that he was going to UMass. Kip said, "That's were I'm going. Do you have a roommate? I'm looking for one."
"No, but I thought for sure you and Brock would be rooming together." Lance said a bit confused.
"No," Brock said, "I have made a verbal commitment to Fordham to play soccer."
"Fordham and UMass are in the same conference, so I'm going to enjoy kicking Brock's ass for four years," Kip said. "Are you going to play soccer," Kip asked Lance.
"I won't be on scholarship, but the coach asked my to try out as a walk-on."
"Sweet," Kip said, "We can both enjoy kicking a little Ram ass! Oh Shit, that doesn't sound right." Everyone laughed.
"James, were are you going to college," Lance asked.
"Columbia."
"Cool, but I have a question. I am sure with your grades and test scores, you could have gone to any Ivy League school, hell, any school in the country and half the world, why Columbia?"
"I guess it just came down to wanting to live at home." James said.
Lance asked Brock if he chose Fordham for the same reason, and Brock said, "Yes, I want to live at James' home." Lance was confused so James and Brock explained their plan for rooming together off campuses.
"That is double cool, and your space in your mother's apartment sounds amazing. It's like having independence, but with mommy and a home cooked meal just steps away."
"When Brock told me Kip was going to UMass, I checked it out on Google Maps, it's only three hours from Amherst to my mother's apartment. You guys could easily come down for a weekend in the Big Apple."
Soon they were making all kinds of possible plans for the future, most of which wouldn't happen once the got busy with school and life, but it was fun to think what they could do after high school graduation.
When they arrived at Lance's home, Lance introduced his parents even though they had all already met. When Cynthia Rush welcomed, James, she said, "James, I am so sorry the way I behaved the first time we met. Lane and Garrison will tell you that I'm only half that crazy on a normal day."
James smiled, Cynthia gave him a hug. She also gave Brock and Kip a hug. "What can I say," Lance said, "Mom is a hugger."
Dinner was amazing, before she met and married Garrison Rush, she was a chef and worked in some of Boston's best restaurants. On the menu was Chicken Kiev, Wild Rice Almandine, and asparagus. For dessert, Creme Brûlée. After the boys heartily thanked Cynthia for the meal, it was off to Garrison's study.
"Okay boys, I talked to James' mother this week to find out how I am supposed to handle this meeting. Her instructions to me were that this is an educational experience for James and the rest of you as to how a project is planned, sold to a customer, and then executed. We were given a list of problems to solve and a general sense of the project. So let me explain the proposal."
"We first became involved in this project when Lance asked if Bradley Shipping and Logistics would be able to repurpose shipping containers into restroom. Our potential involvement has expanded, and may also require us to hire subcontractors."
"The problem we were most recently contacted to provide possible assistance solving is infrastructure for the project. After discussion with Mr. Gracie and a review of the maps, we believe the best way to bring electricity, water, and access is from his road along the back of the property line, rather than from the main campus. The first phase of the plan would be an all-weather road to the Troy site, and water and electricity."
"It is not practical to bring sewer to this site, so our solution is buried holding tanks that would be periodically pumped out and the waste hauled to the municipal treatment plant. It therefore make it more practical and cost efficient to move the restrooms, concessions stands, dressing rooms, and storage to that side of the quarry, which will make it much easier to get trucks in for construction and later for servicing the facility."
"I have a question," Brock said. "Ever since hearing that shipping container will be use for the buildings, all I can imagine is this will look like a shipping dock."
"I understand that concern" Garrison said, "Our designers are suggesting we use a finishing technique that will make them look like bronze. The idea would be for it to look like a blending of the modern and the ancient. Also, Mr. Gracie said there is a secondary quarry with some large stones that were quarried but never used. The plan would be to use them as accents and counterpoints to the metal buildings."
"That sound really cool."
"I have another issue," Kip said, "This is supposed to be a student project, what do you see us doing."
"Yes," Garrison said, "I understand that concern, and as Lance's father, I certainly expect him to put in the work that was agreed to at the meeting. For pure physical, exhausting labor. We are suggesting that a gravel path be built from the main campus to Troy. Since that area is a meadow that would be destroyed by heavy machinery. We are suggesting shovels, wheelbarrows, and strong backs build it. Two other area where student labor would be particularly helpful is with any landscaping needed and restoration and stabilization of the banks of Mill Brook. There has been some significant erosion on both sides of the creek."
"I like the idea of students doing the path and working on the creek," James said. "Maybe we can get students to create some sort of art along the path."
"The last item is electricity and lighting," Garrison said. "That isn't something Bradley Shipping and Logistics can do for you, but we can recommend a couple of licensed contractors who can do that for you. One in particular had done several jobs that include providing electricity and lighting for outdoor venues."
"So now what do I have to do to get things rolling?" James asked.
"I need you to sign this work order. Then when we get costs and plans finalized, to approve them," Garrison said.
James picked up a pen and signed the work order. Then he said, "I know my signature is the one that is legal, but I'd like each of you guys to put your names on here as well. I am going to have a copy of this made to hang on my wall, since this is my first official action act at Pierce International, and I want to remember that the three of you were a part of it." So Brock, Kip, and Lance all signed under James.
That night James was alone in his room, when his mother called.
"Hi mom, what's up?"
"Just checking on how you're doing and how your meeting went with Garrison Rush."
"I'm doing fine, and the meeting went great. Now what do you really want?"
"James, you hurt your momma when you think I just call because I want something. However, now that you mention it..."
James and Julia both broke into laughter. Then Julia said, "Your Aunt Sydney and I want to go to London the Saturday after Thanksgiving and were wondering if you would be okay with that?"
"Of course, I can take care of myself, and Betty will be around."
"Good, now there's one other thing. Pierce International usually invites the Governors and Senators of New York and Massachusetts to be our guests in the corporate suite when the Giants host the Patriots. They are playing each other in New York the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Will you do the honors this year and be the host."
"Are you kidding. Call James Sr, he's still getting a paycheck from the company. He can earn his money."
"I did, his response was, `Julia I still love you in my own way, but fuck off bitch and the same to my sister.' Apparently he's holding a grudge over being deposed. Imagine that."
"Can I invite my friends?"
"Sure honey, just limit it to ten, and try to pick some that won't embarrass us.... Oh, what am I saying? You'll be ass kissing politicians, there isn't anything more embarrassing than that."
"Wait nobody said anything about ass kissing..."
"Goodnight dear," and Julia hung up.
After taking a moment to breathe James called Shane.
After explaining what he was just agreed to do, James asked, "Would you and your fiancé be able to come to the game?"
"Absolutely, thanks for inviting us who wouldn't want to see that game?" Shane couldn't see James raising his hand and mouthing "me."
Next James went up to Brock and Kip's room. Both were studying, and he asked if they had a minute to talk, and they said, "Sure." He then went down and got Lance and Weston.
When they were all in together, James explained what he'd agreed to do, then said, "I was wondering if you guys and your fathers would willing to be my guests at the game."
James wasn't ready for the response, the guys all said yes at once tackled him onto Brock's bed, and subjected him to a round of bro play. Of course, roughhousing with four hot guys wasn't really that bad.
"Well I need you to call your fathers and make sure they are able to go to the game."
"Are you kidding," Weston said, "My father might just skip my wedding, to go to a Giants/Patriots game. Especially one were he could schmooze with two governors, four senators, and the future Chairman of Pierce International."
James went back to his room and a half-hour later there was a knock at the door. It was Weston.
"I told my dad, about the invitation, and I don't think I ever heard him more excited. He played football at the naval academy. He got an invite to tryout for the pros, but he really wanted to follow my grandfather into the service."
"Weston, can I ask a question."
"Sure?"
"How did you know I am going to be Chairman of Pierce International?"
"My dad told me that our freshman year."
"Huh?"
"Every year, my dad wanted to see my yearbook. I just thought he was looking for pictures of me and my friends, but then my Freshman year I was looking for my yearbook, and found it on his desk. He had a legal pad with ten or twelve names on it. One was yours, James Spangler. However, behind your name was Pierce in parenthesis. My father was in naval intelligence before going into investing. He was what they call an analyst. Which as far as I can see is that he's some kind of gypsy fortune teller. He can look at a collection of what to the ordinary person would be random reports and events, then fill in the missing pieces and tell you what is going on."
"He told me that you are your father's only child, and your grandfather's only grandchild, so you would get it all." After a pause, Weston said, "My father did ask about you a week ago. I thought he'd hear something about the altercation, and I just said it really wasn't really that big a deal."
"Thanks Weston, I am just surprised when anyone at Mill Brook even knows I have a father."
When Weston left, James sent a text to his mother and Shane that simply said, "I think the details of the coup are hitting the Street."
The next morning James missed his first period class because he was on a conference call with his mother and Shane.
"Julia said, "It seems that a paralegal at the firm representing you father, got a look at the agreement, which isn't that big of a deal. However, he also heard the office gossip about some of the negotiations. Let's just say I, your father, and your aunt have nothing to be proud of. He shopped the information around, but none of the reputable investment firms and analysts would bite. He finally just sold the story to a freelance financial reporter and left town."
"Fortunately," Shane said, "the reporter's information only lists you as James Pierce, not James Spangler. So, if we're lucky, you should be able to graduate high school without this jumping from the financial press to the tabloid press."
"I might not be as off the radar as you think." James told Shane that most of the school heard the Headmaster call him Pierce rather than Spangle during the fight. "But," he said, "Issa Jackson, Weston's father knows who I am." Then James told them about Weston's yearbook.
"Do we know anything about Issa Jackson, other than he heads `Opportunity Investing,' and makes billion dollar deals for his clients," Julia asked.
"I'll do some checking around, maybe try to get a meeting with someone over at Opportunity Investing," Shane said.
"Why not just talk to Mr. Jackson in person?" James asked.
"James, I appreciate your confidence in me, but the head of a multi-billion dollar investment firm doesn't take meetings with an associate lawyer."
"I was thinking you could do it during the Giants/Patriots game. Weston, his son, and I are friends. I invited Weston and his father to the Giants/Patriots game and they accepted."
"That's perfect," Shane said.
"I'm concerned about whether James should stay a Mill Brook," Julia said, "We've relied on people not knowing who he is, but now I'm not sure."
"Mom, you and Senior put me through six years of hell at this school, okay hell might be a bit of an overstatement, but my point is, you wouldn't let me leave when I hated it here, you're not taking me out when I like it here. Besides, if I remember correctly, I am a legal adult and can make my own choices."
"At least let me get you some security until we know what is going on," Julia asked.
"I'll agree only if it doesn't fuck up my new friendships or make me look all the more the pampered freak than I already am."
"I will call the school and work something out," Julia said.
"Don't talk to Headmaster Gates, he's an idiot," James said, "Talk to Dean Meyers."
So it was two days later, James, Brock, Kip, and Lance found themselves again in Dean Meyers office.
"Gentlemen, I have a problem that the four of you can help me solve. The heating system in Longfellow Hall has to be replaced immediately, that will require some major renovation. So, I have to find a place for ten sophomores. The only place we have any more dorm space is in the second floor of Gilbert Hall."
Gilbert Hall was school's original faculty housing. Most of the faculty now lived in houses the school had purchased in the neighborhood, or their own private homes. Only Mr. Gregg, and an occasional visiting teacher or speaker lived on the main floor of the building. The second floor had been converted to guest rooms for parents or board members when visiting campus.
"Mr. Gregg, has graciously agreed to be the dorm parent for Gilbert Hall; however only if it is Seniors, and the four of you are among them. The problem is that in order for the numbers to work Mr. Spangler can't have his a single room. Does anyone have a solution."
Kip looked at the other three, and they nodded. Kip then said, " Next year, Lance and I will be roommates, and Brock and James will be roommates. This might be a perfect opportunity to see if that works."
Dean Meyers looked at all of the boys who a responded with a positive signal. He then said, "I need you guy guys to move today so I can start moving the sophomores before Thanksgiving break. Also, Mr. Gregg would like you to find six more seniors to include in this move.
As the boys got up to leave, Dean Meyers said, "See my secretary for keys and information about the move. James, can you remain for a few minutes." When the other three boys were out of the room and the door closed, Meyers, open a second door that led to the conference room and said, "Please join me next door."
When James got through the door, he saw Shane and three other people. Meyers said, "I need a cup of coffee. If you need anything, ask Ms. Bretts, my secretary." Then he left.
James looked at Shane and said, "So I take it the heating system in Longfellow Hall doesn't need to be replaced."
"Oh it does," Shane said, "but an anonymous donation made it possible to start earlier than expected."
"I see," James said, "and who are these gentlemen."
"Let me introduce you to Baker Thompson, from the Cambridge Security Service. I will let him introduce his associates."
"This is Michael Peters," Thompson said referring to a thirty-something wearing a tweed jacket and jeans. he will be introduced as a graduate student working on his dissertation, a biography of Horace Templar, an influential Congregational leader and founder of this school. He will live in one of the first floor apartments and have a study room in the library."
"And this is Brent Norris," Thompson said referring to someone who looked to be in his forties and a former Marine, at least that's what his tattoos said. Brent was wearing working man's clothes and a two-day scruff. "Brent will be the new assistant groundskeeper. We have a small house rented off campus where he will live, along with a revolving associate."
"It seems that you and your friends have a general disregard for the rules regarding coming and going from campus and curfew. While I don't care about Mill Brook rules, I do care about you leaving campus without my people knowing. So tomorrow, Michael will upgrade you to a new phone which we expect to you use and keep on you at all times. It will allow our revolving associate to keep track of you without interfering with your normal activity and relationships. We will send you a picture of the revolving associate every week so you know who to trust. If you feel someone other than Michael, Brent, or the one of our other associates is following or watching you, we expect a call. Michael will explain the procedure when he sets up your new phone. Do you have any questions?"
"Yeah," James said with a great degree of irritation, "What the hell. Do you actually believe I am in danger. I've lived here since the 6th grade, and no one has ever tried anything. I know my father didn't think much of me, but he would have coughed up a couple of million to get my sorry ass back if for no other reason than to whip it for getting kidnapped."
"First of all, your father did care whether you were safe. That small house off campus, we rented it the day you were enrolled at Mill Brook as James Spangler. Have you never wondered why your father didn't throw a fit when you mother enrolled you as Spangler instead of Pierce, or why the school would let her do that. Frankly our job was pretty easy up until this year because you were a hermit."
"However, things have changed, you've grown up and actually tried to make friends. Your importance to the company is now infinitely greater. Most importantly, people know who you are and where you are. Do I think you are in serious danger, on a scale of one to ten, I'd say it's a two. Do I think the tabloids will start taking an interest in you? You tell me: teenage billionaire, dysfunctional family, and gay. I'd say that's a seven out of ten."
"However, what the real problem is that when people find out that you are the next in line at Pierce International and the largest individual stockholder, they can make you look stupid or erratic in an attempt to manipulated the stock market. You don't have to look any farther than social media and Silicone Valley to see the impact the perception a leader can have on a company's stock price. My biggest concern right now isn't protecting your family's physical safety, it's protection your family's image."
Shane broke in and said, "Look James, we don't want to dump this on you, but starting with you graduation in the Spring, the company's PR department wants to begin promoting you as the future of Pierce International. Their job will be magnitudes more difficult if the tabloids get the first shot at shaping your narrative."
"I am so fucked," James said.
"No, you're not," Shane said. "You have people to watch out for you and the company's best interests, but you can't fight us. Let us do our jobs, and we will make it so you can live your life."
James looked at Shane and said, "On one condition, once a year, on the anniversary of you becoming my lawyer, Skippy and Jimmy get totally wasted and tell the world to fuck off."
Shane smiled and said, "Deal."
"Well, I guess I'd better to get my shit moved to my new room."
"I'll walk out with you," Shane said. When they were outside and alone, Shane said, "Not today, but maybe over Christmas break, we have to sit down with Brock and tell him what he's getting himself into. He deserves that."
"I know, but it scares me. What if he thinks I'm not worth the hassle?"
"Then it's best if you find that you sooner than later. However, I'm pretty sure he will think you are absolutely worth it."
James smiled and said, "Thanks, I needed that."
It took the boys a couple of hours to move their stuff to their new rooms. Since they had first pick of rooms, they chose rooms at the end of the hall and across from each other. The rooms on the ends of the hall were corner rooms and had windows on two sides. Also, because the second floor were being used as the school's guest quarters, all the rooms had private bathrooms and a small sitting area.
Once they were moved into their new rooms, the four headed over to the library to meet with Mr Gregg. Gregg started the meeting saying, "Dean Meyer gave my a list of boys who are 18-year-old seniors. I also have their GPA's and behavior files. How do you want to proceed?"
"I have a request," James said, "there are three rooms left to fill, I would like for at least one of those rooms to be non-jocks."
"That seems fair," Kip said. "My question is, are we going to chose existing roommates, which means there are three rooms to fill, or are we going to chose six individual and let them figure out roommates."
"I vote for individuals and they can figure out roommates," Lance said. "If they can't live together, then we move on the next guy on the list."
"So Lance, if Kip and Brock had insisted on remaining roommates, would your have roomed with me?" James asked.
Lance thought for a second then said, "At the beginning of the year, probably not. After you nearly ripped my arm off, absolutely not. When I got to know you, in a heartbeat, brother."
James smiled, and said, "Same for me, brother."
"So how do you propose ranking the boys?" Mr. Gregg asked.
Brock had been writing on a piece of paper and said, "I have a proposal. We list all the guys in order their GPA. Then for each activity they participate in, up to three in total, they can move up one position, and for every discipline referral they move down one position. Then finally we vote on each person. Two no votes they move one position down; three no votes and they're scratched."
"I like that, in principle," James said, "but I'm still worried I'm going to be the lone nerd in a pack of jocks." So, they were agreed to at least try Brock's system. To no ones surprise, Weston was the first on the list after ranking. He was in the top ten percent of the class, played three sports, and never got in trouble. He was going to be the model midshipman at Annapolis next year.
After Weston, the next five were three non-jocks and two jocks.
"Now what do we do?" Lance asked.
"We go give the names to Dean Meyer, and explain the selection process," Mr. Gregg said. "I am very proud of you guys. So many kids and adults in your situation would have played favorites, but you guys established a criteria based on merit, and applied it honestly. What Dean Meyer will like about this is he can defend it to students, parents, and the faculty. Great job."
Mr. Gregg was right Dean Meyer was very pleased in the process, and in the diversity it produced. So Dean Meyer schedule a meeting with the six, just before supper. Since Weston was ranked highest, he got first pick of roommates.
It was a surprise when Weston chose Malik Masood as his roommate. Malik's parents were from Pakistan, and both were doctors. Malik's passion was robots, and he and a group of other students actually built fighting robots and participated in robot combat. Of course Malik was very surprised and honored to be selected by the star athlete on campus. Also, Weston's choice virtually set the other two rooms as one jock room and one non-jock room.
As soon as supper was over, James, Brock, Kip, and Lance helped their new hall mates move. James also made note that Michael his new nanny was moving into one of the ground floor apartments.
The day had been so busy that James hadn't had any time to really think about his meeting with Shane and the security people that morning. But now he did and he sat on his bed and began to softly cry. Brock had been helping Weston move a couch, and when he turned sat down next to James and put an arm around him. Brock softly asked what was had him so upset.
James refused to answer so, Brock continued to hold him without saying anything more. After a bit James said, "I need to take a shower."
"Of course, that should help to relax."
James stood up and removed his shirt, then looked at Brock, who was still sitting on the bed. "I need to take a shower with you."
Brock smiled, stood and removed his own shirt. Brock and James faced each other as they stripped off the rest of their clothes. For a minute or so, they looked at each other's naked bodies.
James saw a well developed athlete in transition from a high school jock into a college stud. Everything about Brock from his smile to the way he stood screamed athletic prowess. James was particularly mesmerized, and jealous of, Brock's sculpted torso. In the formal garden at Pierce Mansion, was a replica of Ernest Herter's sculpture `Dying Achilles. James often stood admiring that statue in the hope of finding his own Achilles, and now he had."
Brock saw a bookish yet handsome young man. For someone who self-identified as a nerd, James' body was remarkable fit, even athletic. Tennis, hiking, and cycling has produced the type of body earned through activity rather than at the gym. Brock couldn't help think how similar James looked to the guys in the old black & white photos of men swimming at the YMCA all in the nude.
James couldn't stand just looking at Brock and wrapped his arms around Brock and put his head on Achilles chest. Eventually the boys made it to the shower and soon the warm water and the physical contact washed away the emotions of the day and replace them with new emotions, emotions tied to desire. James whispered in Brock's ear, "You are going to fuck me tonight. I need your perfect cock buried in my hungry hole. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes, Babe," Brock said, and he kissed James.
"I need it slow and deep," Jame said.
"Yes, Babe."
"I need you to fill my ass with your seed."
"Yes, Babe."
"I need to shoot my load while you repeatedly cum inside me."
"Yes, Babe!"
So James and Brock and Brock repeatedly christened their new room until falling asleep exhausted, spent, and satisfied.
I hope you enjoy "Exposed."
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