CHAPTER 17
Betty insisted on packing the boys a lunch before they headed over to the Pierce Mansion. The Pierce Estate was located on Little Neck Bay in Kings Point, not far from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The mansion sat a quarter of a mile from any public road, and the only way the house could be seen by any uninvited guests was from a boat in Little Neck Bay.
"Well let me show you around the grounds." James started with the tennis court, then the formal gardens with a statue of "Dying Achilles." In the garden a handsome man in his early 20's was on his knees winterizing some of the more tender plants. James waved and shouted, "Hey Gill!"
The guy stood up and waved, "Hello, Mr. Pierce."
"Come on," James said to Brock, "I want to introduce you to Gill."
James and Brock walked over to where Gill was working. James said, "Gill, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Brock Champlain. Brock, I want you to meet my older brother, Gill Hoek. Gill was the closest thing I had to a brother growing up. As you can tell from the drive down from the street, this really isn't a neighborhood where you see a lot of your neighbors, and none of the close ones had kids."
James then turned to Gill and said, "What the hell was that Mr. Pierce crap."
"Well, from what I understand, this is all going to be yours, and really for all intents and purposes, it already is."
"Even if someday I do inherit this place, you and your parents are family. So, I'm James, and you're Gill. Got that?"
Gill smiled, and said, "I've got it, but you won't convince my father you aren't Mr. Pierce. He's still pretty old school about that kind of stuff."
James said to Brock, "Gill's grandfather was an immigrate after WWII, and my grandfather hired him as the grounds keeper. The Hoek family raised tulips in Holland but their farm was destroyed in the war. You should see this place in the Spring when all the tulips are blooming."
"So, what brings you out today," Gill asked.
"It seems I was talked into joining the swim team this year, and this goon has taken it upon himself to be by trainer. The gym in Mom's new place smells more of Bengay than Gay Ben. So, I thought we could work out here. Are the pool and the gym still usable?"
"Absolutely, your father still regularly swims, and I have been using the gym. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course I don't mind. Remember, you're my big brother. I left my keys at school. I really wasn't planning on coming back here. Can you let us into the gym and pool."
"Sure, follow me. Your father is actually having the entire place refitted with electronic locks so we can see Noah and get yourself a key code."
Noah Walker had been the estate manager ever since James could remember.
The estates fitness center was actually three buildings, the indoor pool, an old folly that had been converted to a gym, and a greenhouse for growing organic vegetables. In architecture a folly is a building built really as a garden fixture and serving no real function. What was now the gym was, at one time, a small circular Greek temple. When it was converted to a gym in the 60s, the interior was decorated with images of ancient Olympic athletes. Apparently, James' grandmother was scandalized by the sight of five nude men decorating the walls and refused to ever set foot in it.
Gill took the boys in through the greenhouse entrance where they found Gill's father, Casper. Casper saw James and said, "Mr. Pierce, it's so good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too, but please call me James. It makes me uncomfortable to be called Mr. Pierce by my family."
Casper thought for a minute, then said, "Okay, I will call you James, but only if you promise not to stay away. We all miss you very much."
"That's a deal. Actually, we came out to use the pool and the gym. Let me introduce you to Brock, my boyfriend."
"Nice to meet you," Casper said, and Brock returned the greeting.
"So, how are the greenhouse and the gardens doing," James asked Casper.
"Quite well, maybe too well, we are producing far more vegetables and eggs than we can consume, especially with only a skeleton staff maintaining the estate. Now that it's getting cold, things will change with the greens, but we have lots of root crops in storage. I know you like the idea of converting much of the estate to edible crops rather than ornamental plants or lawns, but we have to do more than feed the compost bin with it."
James turned to Gill and said, "Your father's right. Do you have a plan? After all this was your idea."
"Wait just a minute," Gill said, "I think it was you who was complaining about what a waste it was to mow grass all summer when it could be growing food."
James smiled, "I suppose that's true." One of the few real conversations James had had with his father over the last two years was after Gill had taken James on a tour of the New York Botanical Garden's Edible Academy. Gill had tried a year of college, but it wasn't for him. Then he found the NYBG had a School of Professional Horticulture. It was exactly what Gill wanted and he applied for and was admitted. So, when Gill was telling him about the program's Edible Academy it inspired James' do-gooder instinct to pester his father into letting Gill use part of the estate for an urban farm. The problem was that James had no idea how much food Gill could coax from so little space.
"I guess if the plan is to expand the gardens, then we have to have a place that can use what is being produced." James said. "Do you have any ideas?"
"Assuming you are not wanting this experiment to make a profit," Casper said, "the most logical thing to do is donate the stuff to a food panty or a soup kitchen. At least that's how I see it."
Gill nodded, and said, "At this point, it's either that or the compost pile."
"Gill, can you take care of finding a place that will take what is left of this year's harvest. Then maybe over Christmas, we can create a plan for next year's gardens. I would also like to take some of the potatoes and carrots back to Betty. Maybe she can include them in Thanksgiving dinner."
"Sure, I can take care of finding a place for the rest of the crop," Gill said, "and I'll have a box of potatoes, carrots, and a few other things for you to take to Betty."
"And tell Betty, we miss her," Casper said.
"Absolutely," James said. "Now, I think we'd better get to our workout."
When in the gym, Brock was blown away. "This is amazing," Brock said, "I have never seen anything like this.
In addition to the murasl of the ancient Olympic games that covered the walls, there were little niches with statues of Greek gods. The floor was a mosaic of colored tiles, and at the top of the dome was an oculus that let in sunlight. In contrast to the antiquity themed decor, the equipment was state of the art. Around the room were free weights, a Peloton bike, a treadmill, a rower, and a Bowflex home gym. Right under the oculus was a large circular mat that was installed the Summer James started martial arts training.
Brock's lips curled into a naughty smile, and he said, "It would be a shame not to honor the Greek ethos of this space, so I decree today's workout is in the nude." He then peeled off his clothes and threw them into a pile. He then looked at James and said, "Come on, what are you waiting for?"
James replied, "I just need a moment to admire this demigod standing in front of me." After taking a couple of deep breaths, James also stripped.
The two started on the mat right under the oculus with stretching. James was mesmerized watching Brock slowly twist and stretch. Brock was muscular without being musclebound. His body was both strong, yet amazingly supple. James was in total lust. He would have to throw himself completely into the workout, or he would soon be too aroused to do anything but fuck. Brock seemed to sense what James was feeling and moved the workout to the bench press.
James was determined to pour all of his pent-up sexual energy into building his body. Brock was spotting James, and his cock swung tantalizingly above James. James continued to pump iron as his heart began pumping more and more blood into his cock. Soon he was fully erect, and the sight of that soon put Brock into a similar state of arousal.
The boy's ended up doing their entire workout sporting hard cocks. When they were finally finished lifting weights Brock walked over to a full-length mirror and as he flexed said, "Damn, we both pumped a lot of iron. Come here buddy and give me a pose."
"I don't think so. I'm not ready for that."
"Sure you are. You have to keep track of your progress to stay motivated."
"Maybe next time.
Brock walked over to James who was standing in the middle of the mat, and said, "How about we settle this like men."
"Okay," James said, "My lawyer will call your lawyer, and...."
James didn't get to finish his sentence because Brock had taken him down on the mat and easily pinned him.
"Not fair! You caught me off guard."
"Okay, I'll play fair under two conditions. First, no martial arts. I like the parts of my body attached just the way they are. Second, if I win, you have to come pose with me."
"What if I win?"
"In the unlikely chance that happens, you can name your prize."
Suddenly James was properly motivated and came at Brock like a honey badger defending its food. However, James quickly ran into the reality that Brock was just plain bigger and stronger. It didn't take Brock long to put James on his back.
"Okay, okay," James said. "You win. You can get up now."
Brock leaned down and gave James a kiss. Then he said, "I like that. I like that a lot."
"What? You showing off and showing me how much stronger you are than I am?" James said.
"No, I like the wrestling naked with you. It's a turn on. And, maybe I do like that I can dominate you in one activity. After all, you are pretty intimidating at times. You're smart, and rich, and have a huge cock. Sometimes I wonder why you are wasting your time with me."
James pulled Brock down for another kiss and then said, "Brock Champlain, I am not, repeat NOT, wasting my time with you. If anyone should feel intimidated, it's me. You are athletic, handsome, popular, and have the most smoking hot body. So, why you would be boyfriends with a scrawny nerd, is beyond me, but every day I'm thankful you are. Do you understand?"
Brock smiled and nodded.
"Now, James said, "let's take care of this stupid bet and get into the pool. I still have to get some laps in, and you've got me so hard my cock's going to create a lot of drag."
"We could take care of that now," Brock said with a smile.
"Yes, but then I might as well not even get in the pool. You know that after sex all I want to do is cuddle up and take a nap."
Brock and James stood in front of the mirror naked. "Go on," Brock said, "Let's see those muscles." James self-consciously did a bicep flex and was surprised that he could actually see some progress. Not a lot, but enough to encourage him to continue working out. However, most importantly, the squats were having a visible impact on his thighs. Maybe by the time of the big meets after Christmas rolled around, he wouldn't look so much the skinny nerd with a big cock in his speedo.
So, James and Brock got into the pool. The water was cool, but after a lap, the exertion had warmed them up. James took advantage of the longer pool to work on strokes and breathing. He was soon approaching racing speeds as he efficiently cut through the water. Brook was a good swimmer, but nowhere close to James. So, he casually swam laps while James completed his work out.
When James finished, the boys headed for the shower to wash off the chlorine. Once in the shower, Brock was done waiting, and his hands were all over James. For his part, James was just as ready for Brock to breed his ass as Brock was eager to breed it.
James put both hands against the wall, spread his legs, and presented his ass to Brock, who was soon on his knees feasting on James' hole. When James was ready Brock slipped his cock into James. When Brock was completely in, James let loose a moan the echoed from the shower's tile walls.
"That's it," James said. "That's what I need. Now fuck me."
Brock began to pound James, whose moans continued to fill the shower. As Brock pounded James, he reached for James' cock and began to stroke it. It wasn't long before James' legs began to shake and his cock began pumping out loads of spunk. When James was finished shooting, Brock grabbed his hips and began to rail James' ass.
"Oh fuck...oh fuck," Brock yelled as he filled James with blasts of warm cum. Finally, Brock pulled James against his chest, and James turned his head so Brock could kiss him while keeping his cock in James' ass.
"How did you get so good at that in such a short time?" James asked.
"I had a good teacher."
When the boys were finished cleaning up and getting dressed, they went to Brock's car and picked up the lunch Betty had made. James then led Brock out to where the estate met Little Neck Bay. The estate had its own dock and James led his boyfriend out to the end for a picnic.
"This is a long dock," Brock said.
"Yeah, my father keeps his yacht at a marina, but he can dock it here when he is using it for a party or something. He inherited the yacht from my grandfather. It was a tradition when grandfather was alive for all the family to sail up the Hudson in July. We would meet here at the mansion on the 4th of July for a big picnic and fireworks show with friends and company officials. The next morning, the family would board the yacht for a week of cruising up the Hudson. I was 10 the last time we did that, and it is still one my favorite memories."
The boys ate their lunch and just chatted. James was wearing a Columbia sweatshirt and Brock was wearing one from Fordham. Both of them were already making a mental transition to college.
"Have you decided on a college major yet?" Brock asked.
"I think so. I'm looking at a major in Economics-Mathematics. People often confuse business and economics, but there is a difference. Business is about creating efficiency, managing resources and people, costs, and profits. However, what I like about economics is it asks questions about why we make the choices we make, and what factors should go into making those choices. Economic analysis can go far beyond just seeing the cash balance as the bottom line. It can study the social, environmental, political, human, tradeoffs made of any decision."
"I can see you doing that, especially the math," Brock said. "I am going to have to major in something that makes some money. I'm looking at a B.S. in real estate."
"So, if you didn't have to major in something that makes money, what would you major in?"
"Some of the best experiences I had as a kid were soccer and lacrosse camps. The problem is sports camps can be very expensive. I would like to figure out how to run a good, but affordable, summer sports camp. Who knows, maybe I will make enough money in real estate that I can do it."
"That sounds really cool. You at least have a mission in life beyond making money just to live a life of ease and debauchery. I'm still looking for my mission. I don't want to be just a rich guy smoothly coasting through life without a care in the world."
Brock laughed, "I wouldn't say you've been smoothly coasting through life thus far."
"Sure," James said, "I have had a lot of drama in my life, but I haven't ever gone without food, or lived on the street, or had to survive in a war zone, or had to worry if I would be killed because I'm gay. Sometimes when I'm watching the news or reading the Times, I feel like such a whiny asshole. Yes, my father is a bastard, and my mother can be flaky. Yes, I have to go to a boarding school full of jocks and bullies. Still, on the crappy life scale measured from one to ten, where ten is a gay kid kicked out of his home at 16 and living on the street, I barely move the needle off zero."
"There are a lot of good organizations and programs you can support that are working to make the world better," Brock said.
"I know, but I want to do more than just give money, that's easy. Hell, even my father has a long list of good humanitarian things he gives money to, but it didn't make him a better person. I guess Jimmy Carter is my role model. He didn't just raise money to build houses for low-income people, he helped build the houses. I need to find something I feel good about doing, not just giving money to."
"Philosopher, philanthropist, and social worker, all wrapped up in a smoking hot teenage body. Are you sure you're not secretly a Kennedy because you're a Progressive Gen-Zer's wet dream."
"I guess that's the limit?"
"What limit?" Brock asked.
"The limit of how long you can go without your penis starting to do the talking for you."
"Do you know that a study at Ohio State University found the average 18-to-25-year-old thinks about sex 19 times during the day?" Brock said.
"Wow, I have so many questions about what you just said. First, why do you know that?"
"I read it in GQ online."
"Of course you read GQ," James said. "GQ is the `Out' magazine for closeted gay preppy boys. My second question is. What beer company paid for that study?"
Brock laughed, "If I were guessing, I'd say Natty Light. Everyone knows Natty Light is the frat boy beer of choice."
The rest of the afternoon was spent walking around the estate. The last place James showed Brock was the cottage. The cottage was where James' grandparents moved after James' parents married. Unlike the mansion, the cottage was never a place for social events or business. It was just a comfortable residence where James' grandfather and grandmother could enjoy their last years together. Unlike his parents, James' grandparents' lives were an unending love affair.
The cottage was hidden in a small grove of trees and had a view of Little Neck Bay. "After my grandfather turned the company over to my father, he and my grandmother did a lot of traveling; however, when they were home, I would ride my bike over here every day."
"This is a beautiful place," Brock said, "It's almost like it's from a fairy tale."
"That's exactly what I thought when I was a kid. It was like my grandparents lived in a storybook. Grandmother would paint or read, and grandfather would work on his collections or watch sports on TV. They had a housekeeper and later a nurse, but for the most part it was just the two of them."
"Did they have friends?"
"Yes, they had lots of friends, but they always met them at one of their clubs or entertained them at the mansion. They loved to play cards, and the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month they hosted a Bridge club in the mansion. You had to either be family or very, very close friends to be welcome at the cottage."
"It looks like someone is still living here." Brock said.
"My father is weird about that. He insists that this place be just like when my grandparents actually lived here. Everyday one of the estate staff checks on the house and turns on different lights so it gives the appearance that someone is still living here. During the summer Casper makes sure the flower gardens are planted just the way grandmother liked them, and at Christmas, the exterior and interior are decorated."
Brock shuddered, "Isn't that a bit creepy. It's like your father thinks your grandparents' ghosts are here."
"At first, I thought that too, then I realized he does it for me and Sydney. Whenever I'm on the estate I always come over here to remember good times. I also know that when Sydney would come for the holidays, she would stay here rather than the mansion. I always thought that if I ever lived at the estate, it would be here rather than the mansion."
"I can see that. This place seems to be more your style: comfortable and private," Brock said with a smile and a kiss.
"Before we leave, I need to see Noah Walker, the estate manager, then I want to say goodbye to Casper and Gill."
The estate had what James thought was a village when he was growing up. It was three houses and a row of four small attached residences.
One of the houses was where the Hoeks lived, Gill, and his parents Casper and Hennie. Hennie wasn't in good health, but was sitting on the porch, so James visited with her and introduced Brock.
She made James promise to come for dinner when he was back for Christmas, and to bring Brock.
In addition to the Hoeks, the Walkers also lived in the village, and their house also had the estate manager's office.
"Well hello James," Noah said with a warm smile, "I heard you were on the estate. How are you doing."
"Very well actually. This is my boyfriend, Brock Champlain."
Noah extended his hand, and said, "Nice meeting you Brock." He then turned to James and said, "So, what do you want to know?"
"The truth about our families. I know we are somehow family, that my father trusts you more than almost anyone else. There is something called the Pierce Debt, and it all has to do with this place."
"Where did you get that idea?" Noah asked.
"I know my family has secrets. Over the years, I have picked up bits and pieces, but when I ask, I have been told `when the time is right.' Then last summer, I found some papers in the library that talked about my great grandfather's brother, but he didn't have a brother. For four generations, the Pierce family has had one male heir. I may very well be the last of the Pierce family."
Noah thought for a moment, then said, "And you're afraid that if your father dies, you won't ever know the truth."
"Yes, but somehow I believe you know the truth."
"Your father has given me directions to tell you some of what you want to know, the rest he wants to tell you himself. If he should not survive his treatment, then I will tell you what else I know, and I will also give you several journals. So, let me tell you what I can."
Brock stood up and said, "I think I'll go for a walk while the two of you talk."
When Brock was gone, Noah said, "Your grandfather, James Morgan Pierce the 1st did have a brother, well a half-brother. Your great grandfather, Leland Pierce, got one of the maids named Alice, pregnant. At the time, your great grandmother was also pregnant with your grandfather. Apparently, Abigail Morgan Pierce was furious. She was a member of the Morgan banking family and she threatened to have her brothers cut off the financing to what was, at the time, know as Pierce Holdings."
"However, Abigail's brothers and Leland were fraternity brothers, and they hatched a plan to smooth Abigail's feathers and provide for Leland's bastard son and his mother. There was a young butler apprentice at one of the Morgan estates who was what was known as a `confirmed bachelor.' Do you know what that meant?"
"I believe that was code for his being gay," James said.
"Yes, Thaddeus Walker, my grandfather was gay. He married Alice and everyone got the cover they needed. As it turned out, Thaddeus was an excellent manager, and he was the first Walker who managed the Pierce estate. As it turned out, Leland and Alice continued their relationship and produced another child, a girl named Florence. Florence would eventually marry a Dutch refugee by the name of Hans Hoek. Florence and Hans were Casper's parents."
"Wait!" James said as he realized the significance of what Noah was saying, "You're telling me that we're all related?"
"Yes, the Walkers are the black sheep of the Pierce family," Noah said. "In fact, if you look at some of the older maps of the estate, this part of the estate is called Walker Town."
"So, what is the Pierce Debt?" James asked.
"It's an agreement between the Pierce and the Walker sides of the family that guarantees the Walkers the right to employment on the estate or in a Pierce company. It also created a trust for the descendants of T. & A. (Thaddeus & Alice) Walker. Of the stocks not owned by you, your parents, or your aunt, the largest number are owned by the Walker Trust."
"Does my mother and aunt know about the Pierce Debt?"
"No, only your father, Casper, me, and now you know about it and its origins. We hope you also respect the desire to keep this a closely held family secret. Normally I wouldn't have answered your questions, but your father feels his medical condition makes it necessary to begin telling you the family secrets."
"Begin!? There's more?"
"Yes, but that story is for others to tell you."