I want to thank all of you who have stood by me during the writing of this story. It has been a long, difficult process, and I have to tip my hat to the authors who have been able to pull this off chapter after chapter.
It is difficult to go from chapter to chapter because you always have the ending of the story just at the back of your mind. And it's the getting there, without being too boring, that's the difficult part.
So, authors, I tip my hat to you. And I want to give a special thank you to David, Malcolm, Kenny, Crystal, Sans, Donna, and Papa who gave me incentive with their messages, and to the many other who have written that they have enjoyed this story.
I also want to take this opportunity to remind you that even though the characters are not practicing safe sex by no means should indicate that I agree. SAFE SEX IS THE ONLY SEX! That should be your motto. Practice this, please, because I CARE!
As always, this author craves feedback. Criticism only makes me a better writer. Please respond to Jaylovenj@comcast.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
From Chapter 28:
"But suppose we were outsmarted by Shelia. Suppose she is playing both sides against the middle?"
"I -- At first, I wouldn't have trusted Shelia as far as I could toss this house. But, like you said, she's not the same Shelia we knew before. This Shelia only has the best interest of her son in mind, his safety and well-being. She sees that he's happy, safe, and healthy here -- with his father -- with us."
I look into his eyes, seeing nothing but reassurance there. "Besides, she knows we would feed her to the sharks if she double-crosses us," he smiles. "Now, come on. Come back to bed."
With a heavy sigh, I get up and allow Greg to lead me back across the hall to our bedroom. He turns as he closes the door of the nursery, pausing just a little to look over the empty space. He's worried too.
He removes my robe. I feel his eyes sweep over me as he pushes me back on the bed. Removing his own bathrobe, he then climbs in on the other side, pulling me into his arms. I feel their silky strength surround me as I lean back against him, finding comfort in his strength.
"I love you," he whispers.
"I love you, too," I answer. We drift off to sleep, secure in our love. Determined to end this one way or the other.
Four Becomes Two Chap 29
"This car isn't that bad," Reynolds remarked as he eased the car onto the lane taking him to the Verrazanno Narrows Bridge.
"You're a putz, you know that Reynolds," Annette spits. "This piece of shit car ain't worth the bolts it took to put it together. Just wait until you get behind a Jag, or a Benz. Now, those are cars."
"It's nice that you and Shelia's exes are gonna finance our future life of luxury," he laughs. "Nice, Er, what's the word? Oh yeah, retribution, for us."
"Hey! The main goal is to get my daughter. Don't you forget that!"
"You got everything, right?"
"Everything we need," Reynolds responds, turning south onto the NJ Turnpike.
"Dave, if you don't hurry, you're gonna be late," Greg said as I come from the bath. He's standing at the vanity shaving, a towel hanging loosely from his hips. He looks so inviting with the shaving cream all over his face.
I move up behind him, pressing my wet body into his as my arms encircle him.
"We don't have time for this," he chuckles, leaning against me. I press my lips against his neck, drawing a sigh from his lips. "No fair," he moans. "You know how...oh!"
I pull me tighter against him, grinding my rising hardness against his swollen cheeks.
"Just the sight of you turns me on," I whisper in his ear as my teeth nip his left earlobe.
"We...can't...we...both...have meetings...oh...this...morning," he moans. His own dick is swelling, tenting out the towel. I rub my hands over the knot, releasing it from his waist.
Greg turns around in my arms, the towel falling to the floor. I feel his dick as it finds a place against my own. He grinds his hips against mine, and presses his lips against me.
"Ugh!" we both groan as we are greeted by the taste of his shaving cream. I grab his washcloth, and wash the suds from his face before pressing his lips to mine once again. "You are so bad for me," he says as we sink to the plush bath mat.
"You have made me so late," Greg says as I drive along the driveway leading from the house.
"Mary? This is Mr. Welsh. I'm fine. Do me a favor, push all of Greg's meetings back one hour with our apologies. We're on our way in...Thanks,
Mary." Greg looks at me with questioning eyes. "Nice being the boss, isn't it?" He shakes his head.
"What about your meeting with Bruce?"
"I'll take him to breakfast. He'll forgive me," I smile.
I turn onto the road leading to the office, and the busy day we have ahead. We pay little attention to the white Taurus with the tire being changed on the other side of the road.
"I told Shelia we'd have dinner with her tonight."
"You did? But you don't like Shelia," I said.
"I know. Bryan wants to throw a monkey wrench into Annette's plan."
"What kind of monkey wrench?"
"I don't know, but he wants all of us to meet at the apartment tonight. I told him we'd be there."
"Annette told me that she and Reynolds were planning a little road trip on Tuesday," Shelia was saying. We were all in the living room of the apartment. We had finished dinner, and were now getting the latest from her. "I told her that the children were away, but that they would be returning for the wedding. She thinks that it's going to be at the house. I think that that is when this is all supposed to go down, but I can't be sure."
"She would be stupid to try anything then," Greg says.
"Actually, that would be the perfect time. With everything going on, all of the people, and the normal confusion of a wedding, they could easily slip in."
"That was a smart thing to do," Rob says. "It will give us a control to the situation."
"Well, the grounds and the house have completely been covered. There isn't an inch of territory that will not be covered by surveillance cameras, so we 'll know when and if they try to get on the compound," Bryan says.
"There's still a lot of wooded area..." I begin.
"That's true, but even that has been covered by cameras. We even wired the construction areas -- Rich's place and your parent's houses have been covered also."
"What about the contractors and sub-contractors working on those projects?" Shelia asks. "That would provide a perfect cover for getting them on the grounds."
"We have informed Connor of our concerns. He hires no one unless they submit to a drug/alcohol test and a fingerprint check. It's causing a few construction delays, but this is a cost that Greg and I feel is worth it."
"I'm just scared," Shelia says. "I don't know this Annette. She is deranged -- psycho. She's so obsessed with getting Robyn back. It's hard to be as enthusiastic as she. I'm trying, but I don't know if she's buying it."
"Shelia, you're doing a great job. I don't think you would know as much as you do about her plans if she didn't trust you. Just hang in there," Bryan says.
"Okay, then, I guess everything is set. One week from Wednesday, we go with operation Praying Mantis," Rob says.
"Shelia! I just want to say thank you..."
"Dave..."
"No. I'm -- we, Greg and I -- are thankful for what you are doing and have done. I'm glad to see that you can put your feelings aside and see what's best for the children."
"Dave, make no mistake, if I believed that any of this was what was best for my son, I would not hesitate to at least try. But, I see all the advantages that the two of you can offer, and I see how much both of you love our son. I should be thanking you over and over because you allow me a small portion of their lives. Maybe one day we'll be on a more level playing field, I can only hope -- at least that's what I'm striving for -- and the children will be a more regular part of my life. But, I'm happy right now because they are happy. What more can any mother want?"
"Well, your efforts are appreciated," Greg says, startling us. We had not noticed when he came. "This is something you need," he says, giving Shelia an envelope. "This is not the real thing, but we hope you will accept the real one when it arrives."
Shelia opens the envelope, and removes the gold-embossed invitation. "Thank you. I'd like to come to the real one. I won't say I understand, but I do understand love, and I see it when I look at the two of you." She actually gives Greg a hug.
"Okay," she says, wiping a tear from her eye. "I have to go. I'm supposed to meet Annette shortly."
"Be careful," I say.
"Don't worry, Dave. I should have been an actress."
"You're mighty dressed up tonight," Annette remarks noticing Shelia's attire.
"Yeah, you clean up nice," Reynolds adds.
"I had to have dinner with the happy couple," Shelia says, feigning disgust. "It was a nauseating affair."
"Oh yeah? Why?" Annette asks.
"I wanted to find out when I could see my son. It's been three weeks now."
"What'd they say," Reynolds asked.
"They'll be here for the wedding," she says. "Can you believe they invited me? Like I'd want to see the fags marry. Had the nerve to give me this," she says, handing the invitation to Annette.
"Oh, get this, Ron. The fags are having a fancy-smancy wedding. Black tie, no less."
"Black tie? What's that?" Ron asks.
"Everyone in black and white. Tuxedos for men; black or white gowns for women."
"Oh-la-la," he retorts.
"Reception on Paradise Island. Transportation provided," she reads.
"Yeah, they are making arrangements with my PO for me to be able to go."
"So, what'd you tell'em?"
"That I'd be delighted, of course."
"They don't realize it, but they just provided us a way to get onto the grounds."
I head into the study, carefully closing the doors behind me. "Evan! Dave Welsh. I got your message." We had a brief conversation, and upon conclusion, I knew I had to find Greg.
I found him in the bedroom, changing into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. He looked delectable.
"What?" he says, looking over his shoulder as he slips his right leg into his shorts. His soft locks have fallen partially over his eyes.
I can feel myself begin to grow. He has that effect on me. I walk towards him, seeing him break out into a grin as he lifts his left foot. I grab him around his waist, falling back on the bed.
"Dave!" he exclaims with a giggle. I seek out his lips as he lies atop me. "We can't do this now," he says, feeling my obvious hardening member. "We have guests, you know."
"I don't care," I answer, seeking more of the taste that is Greg. "I'm going to hate the next few days," I moan.
"Why? This is all leading up to our wedding."
"Because there is going to be very little alone time, that's why. I just want to ravish you up until the time of the wedding, stop to get married, and then ravish you some more."
"I make you a promise, Mr. Welsh. You make it through the next few days, and I promise you a wedding night and a life that will rival any of the greatest love stories. We will become a case study on how to make love." He kisses me again.
"I'm going to hold you to that, Mr. Jefferson." I give his ass a squeeze for good measure."
"We've got a few more guests downstairs. Jeff and Bruce showed up as well as Shelia. She said she needs to talk to us. Oh, and Ron and Bryan are here too.
Speaking of the guys, we still haven't asked anyone to stand up for us."
"I know. I don't know who to ask."
"What would you say to asking Ron and Bryan? I mean, they have become great friends, and they have been with us through all of our roughest times, at least most of them.
I had thought about Jeff and Bruce. But that seems so cliché."
"I think the choice of Ron and Bryan is excellent. I just hope we don't hurt Jeff and Bruce's feelings."
"I'm sure we won't. Or, we could ask all of them. This is an unconventional wedding, so we don't have any rules to follow."
"That's true. I like this idea better. We'll ask all four."
"Good. Now we really should be getting down to our guests."
"Before we go down, Babe, there's something you need to know. As you know, Evan called. The FBI managed to get a bug into Annette's apartment. Seems this thing is set to go down any day now. We need to meet with everybody and clue them in."
"I think that that is what Shelia wanted to speak to us about. Get changed, and I get everyone to meet us in the office."
"Okay. Hurry up!" He heads towards the door.
"Don't you want to watch me get dressed?"
"I would love to watch you get dress, but you know that if I stay, we might be hosting a party without hosts." He closes the door.
"I'M SURE THOSE GUYS WILL UNDERSTAND!" I yell to the closing door.
"Dave, Greg, I want to introduce you to Mark Smithers and Steve Compton."
"Nice to meet you, guys," Greg and I both say, shaking their hands in turn.
"Mark and Steve here," Rob continues, "are ex-Marines. Special Forces Unit."
"Shelia has laid out Annette's plan," Bryan continues. "According to what we understand, Annette has chartered a boat..." He and Rob go on to explain the things that Shelia had relayed to them.
I relate the things as reported to me by Evan, and was clearly documented in the report Bryan had received.
"They think we're having a wedding here, so tomorrow morning, delivery vans will arrive, and limos full of guest will come for our intimate celebration. Unfortunately for them, everyone will be packing.
We hope to take them down without incident, but something could always go wrong." At that moment, Ron's cell buzzes.
"That was the guys on the apartment. They left in a white van with furniture rental on the side. Looks like they're headed for the turnpike. It's a go!"
"Jesus!" Greg says.
"Don't worry, Greg. Everything is going as planned."
"I won't be able to sleep a wink tonight," Shelia says.
"Don't let this get to you Shelia. I have complete faith in what is going to happen. Annette, nor Reynolds, will get far. After all, we've orchestrated their every move," I say. With that, I flip a switch, and one wall of the office opens to reveal a state-of-the-art surveillance system that would rival the Defense Department. "You see, we have everything under control."
"What's it look like, babe," Bryan yawns, as he comes into the War Room.
"All quiet out there, just a few passing watercraft. Oh, and like Shelia said. About an hour ago this boat," he says, pointing to the screen, "pulled up. Another small craft came up alongside. It really wouldn't have been noticed except it's got a clear path to the channel, and they backed it into the pier."
"Did you call the Coast Guard?"
"Yeah, they removed the crew right away, and replaced them with a couple of their men, and Mark and Steve. Everything's falling into place."
"Have you heard anything from the love bugs?" Bryan asks.
"Two love bugs, reporting for duty," Greg says.
"I don't think this is funny, Greg," I retort.
"Hey! I know this is a difficult situation for everyone, but everything is under control. Greg's right, Dave. There is no need to worry. We need to keep things as light as possible around here, or we're not going to be successful," Rob admonishes.
"I need some coffee." I storm off towards the kitchen to get a cup.
"He'll be alright," Greg apologizes. "He had a rough night."
I take my coffee out on the patio deck. It is still early morning. The sun is just beginning to peak over the eastern horizon, coming over the calm water. This day is promising to be anything but calm.
I take a sip from my cup as I hear the door open. Rob walks up beside me, quiet, looking out at the bay. "This is a very pretty site," he offers.
"It's the calm before the storm, Rob," I say, not turning in his direction.
"Everything is going to be okay. By day's end, we'll have Annette and Reynolds in custody, and they will not be going anywhere. The children are safe, and thanks to Shelia, we know what they're planning.
"It's just all a little too neat," I return. "How do we know we can really trust her?"
"We don't. But, so far, everything is as she said. You see that boat over there?" he says. "The one with the yellow sail pointing out into the bay. You can just make it out from here. We took the crew off that boat this morning, and replaced them with a couple of our guys."
"Suppose they go there first."
"Then they'll be on to us, and know we're onto them. Either way, the children are safe."
"You're right. I know I'm being paranoid, and not trustful..."
"Remember, this is your plan."
"That's what I'm really afraid of. This is my plan. Supposed I fucked up!"
The car pulled down the quiet country lane, slowing only briefly as it passed the main gate leading onto the property. "Will you look at this fucker?" Reynolds says. "This is some real bucks."
"Yeah. This should have been my life."
"They've got to be easily worth a hundred mil," Reynolds salivates. "This is going to be a nice payday."
"I don't even see a guard at the gate. They must think that their shit don't stink! Pull over. I want to take a look around." She pulls a pair of binoculars from the back seat.
"I've never seen Dave unglued before," Bryan says.
"Don't worry about him. He's a rock. When you need him, he'll come through. Remember, I saw him in action already the last time..."
Bryan offers a warming smile to Greg. "I've never seen two men as much love as you two, unless I think of Rob and I. This is going to end today, because the two of you deserve some peace, and you've got a wonderful life planned together."
"Thanks, Bry."
"No. You, and Dave, you're inspirations. You two have faced more adversity than I could handle. It's time. Time for happiness and serenity to find you. Rob and I admire you greatly. And we consider you our friends. And we won't let anything happen to our friends."
"Sometimes things are out of your control," Greg says.
"Not this time." Greg looks over at him, seeing the resolve etched on his face. A sense of calm suddenly washes over him.
"Is that them? Is that them?" Greg asks, looking over Bryan's shoulder at the monitor.
"Let me..." Bryan types in a few keys on the computer, "...zoom in a little closer." Suddenly, the image on the computer screen gets bigger. There's a picture of a couple of kids. It appears they have a flat tire, and are in the process of changing it. They are much too young to be either Annette or Reynolds.
"No, that's not them," Bryan says.
"I'm going to go check on Dave," Greg tells him. "Call me if there's anything."
"Okay. Meanwhile, I'll check in on the guys," Bryan answers.
I grab a cup of coffee, seeing Dave and Rob through the glass of the door.
..."Everything is going to be okay. By day's end, we'll have Annette and Reynolds in custody, and they will not be going anywhere. The children are safe, and thanks to Shelia, we know what they're planning.
"It's just all a little too neat," I return. "How do we know we can really trust her?"
"We don't. But, so far, everything is as she said. You see that boat over there?" he says. "The one with the yellow sail pointing out into the bay. You can just make it out from here. We took the crew off that boat this morning, and replaced them with a couple of our their men, and Mark and Steve."
"Suppose they go there first."
"Then they'll be on to us, and know we're onto them. Either way, the children are safe."
"You're right. I know I'm being paranoid, and not trustful..."
"Remember, this is your plan."
"That's what I'm really afraid of. This is my plan. Supposed I fucked up!"
I put my cup on one of the tables, walking up behind him and slipping my arms around his waist. I can feel him relax in my arms
"When I was a little boy...I was about ten," I began, "and Joey was about six, almost seven, our parents took us to California on vacation. Dad, the nature lover, convinced Mom that it would be a great idea to go camping, so they took us to Yosemite National Park.
He touted this as a great adventure, and for weeks and weeks, he told Joey and I all the wonderful things we'd be able to do out there, to get us acquainted with nature, and that nature was our friend.
We arrived at the park with all the equipment we would need. Dad even gave us a compass so that we could learn about direction and such.
We found this beautiful spot, I remember. It was a grassy area near a lake, very gentle water that I think trickled off somewhere forming a little stream that went somewhere. My father liked this spot because it was good for fishing, as well as swimming.
The first couple of days there were great! We did all the things that families do on campouts: the hiking, the swimming, and the exploring.
The third day there, Joey and I decided that we were going to go on an adventure of our own, and slipped away from our parents. We were going to show them that we were big boys and could handle ourselves in the wilderness.
Needless to say, we got lost. For half the day, we wandered around. Got up close, and a little too personal, with nature. Naturally, we were both scared shitless. But I had this feeling that everything was going to be okay, and I kept reassuring Joey. After all, I was the oldest.
Anyway, towards nightfall, we wandered back on the trail that luckily led us back to the meadow. There were lots of hugs and kisses, as well as hell to pay, when we got back. Mom and Dad had notified the Rangers, and they had this elaborate search going on for us."
"What happened?"
"After the Rangers left, giving us a stern lecture, and after the hugs and kisses, we got the tanning of our lives," he chuckles. "It was hard sitting on the plane flying home. We also got a bad case of poison ivy."
"What are you saying, Greg?"
"I'm saying, I know this is difficult -- it's hard for me, too. But like then, I know things are going to be okay. Right now, our children are safe, miles from here. We know where they are. We know that they are surrounded by love. We don't have to worry about them.
Annette and Reynolds will not beat us because we have right on our side, good friends helping us, and goodness. Good always win over evil." He pulls me tighter to him, and I do feel better. I begin to believe in what he's saying.
At 8:30, one of those moving pods arrived at the house, and the workmen began to move the furniture out of the living room in anticipation of setting up for the wedding. We were making room for the round tables were going to be set up in the room to accommodate the wedding guests that would be arriving around noon.
At ten, we saw the furniture delivery truck approach the entrance to the property. And there was another van right behind them with two people in front.
"Looks like we got a nibble," Rob says, as he watches the van carrying Annette and Reynolds coming down the drive. It veers off on the service road as the larger of the two trucks continue on its way.
We watch it approach the wharf, where it comes to a stop.
"What are they doing?" I ask, as Annette and Reynolds sit in the van.
"Why can't we just arrest them now? For trespassing or something," Greg wants to know.
"Because if we let this play out, they will be older than dirt before they see the light of day again," Bryan answers. "Just trust."
"Here comes the florist." On a split screen, we watch the florist approach, as well as the couple at the wharf.
"Why don't you guys go get dressed. Your guests will be arriving shortly." He ushers Greg and I out of the room.
"Just like Shelia said. The plane is parked right where she said it would be. All we have to do now is get aboard. I can fly that easily."
"Subjects are at the end of the runway," came through the speakers of the headset that Rob was wearing.
"Roger that. Just observe. Don't apprehend. Repeat, do not apprehend."
"You look absolutely beautiful," I say, taking Greg into my arms.
"You clean up pretty well, yourself," he smiles. "You know, those bums that we call our friends are planning something for our wedding."
"Yeah. I kind of figured that. I love those guys. All of them."
"I'm happy that you and Bruce have made peace, even though the rift was my doing..."
"Greg..."
"No. I will spend the rest of my days making that up to you. I still don't understand how you can forgive me. I'm just learning to forgive myself, although I'll never forget."
"That is behind us, and Bruce is doing a fantastic job with the foundation. Here," I say, giving him an Executive vest that matches his tux. I have one also.
"Do I have to wear a vest? I don't wear them well," he whines.
"This is one that I insist on you wearing. It's bulletproof."
"Do you think that Annette wants us..."
"Dead! It's a possibility. And I'm certain that that is the lure for Reynolds. We're certain that his brother did die in prison." I see the surprised look on Greg's face as I slip my revolver from the safe.
"Dave?" he says, his eyes looking at the gun in my hand.
"I know."
"Then, why? I mean, I can understand why, but..."
"Greg, I will not let anything happen to you or my family, and I will go through heaven and hell to protect you.
You're gentle. It's not a criticism, it's a fact. I realized this when we dealt with the first Reynolds. I'm not. Never have been; never will be, when it comes to the ones I love."
"This -- side -- of you I thought that Dr. Diggs had excised..."
"No, but I've learned to understand my feelings better, I hope. I pray that that side of me will not return. But, I can't apologize for what might happen -- not if it protects you."
"Just promise me that you'll be careful."
"I promise," I say, taking him in my arms. "I promise."
A quiet tap on the door interrupts our moment of intimacy. I slip on my jacket as Greg goes to the door.
"Shelia?" he says, opening the door just a little wider to let her enter.
Her eyes flicker to the left and right, taking in the room. They finally settle on the bed, then blushing, she sees the picture of Greg and I hanging over it. "You...you have a very lovely suite here. I like," she gulps, "that picture of you two. It looks very...very..."
"Shelia, what is it? You didn't come here to talk about our decorating sense."
"I just wanted to tell you again how sorry I am."
I let out a great sigh, seating her on the loveseat. "There is nothing for you to be sorry about," I say as I once again kneel before her. "This is the invention of a deranged woman and an obsessive man. I'm proud of how well you have handled yourself during this entire situation."
"But Annette was my best friend. I do believe she is planning on somehow killing all of us. I never would have thought..."
"Neither would I, Shelia," Greg says joining us. "Remember, this is the woman that I shared intimacy with; the woman who bore my child. I would have never dreamed that it would come to this."
Greg helps her to her feet, and they share a hug. "I can understand now why Dave loves you so. You are remarkable."
"I'm not special, and I don't minimize my roll in her insanity," he answers.
She looks at him knowingly.
"Now, go get into position. Do you have on your vest?" I ask.
She nods her head. "Yeah, the construction works better than a push-up bra," she half smiles. We watch her walk out the door to go take her seat.
Love had played its games on me so long,
I started to believe I'd never find anyone.
Doubt had tried to convince me to give in,
Said you can't win.
But one day the sun came a-shinin' through,
The rain had stopped and the skies were blue,
And oh, what a revelation to see
Someone was saying, "I love you" to me.
A one in a million chance of a lifetime,
And life, showed compassion
And sent to me a stroke of love called you;
A one in a million you.
I was a lonely man with empty arms to fill,
Then I found a piece of happiness to call my own,
Now life is worth livin' again,
For to love you, to me, is to live.
A one in a million chance of a lifetime,
And life, showed compassion
And sent to me a stroke of love called you;
A one in a million you.
A one in a million you.
One In A Million You -- Words and Music by Sam Dees -- Copyright 1980
The song came to a close as Greg and I took our places beneath the arch of lilies that was at the front of the room. I looked out at people I did not recognize -- no family, no friends.
Everyone was standing. We can see the tables set up on the patio outside. There are a few workers discreetly finishing up last minute touches.
"...honor for me. Even though I had never really embraced the church's view on homosexuality and the acceptance that it [the church] now seems to want to give, I can honestly say I was never truly accepting. That is until I met the two men before you.
Dave and Greg have turned every stereotype around. Getting to know them as I have through our counseling sessions, has convinced me that love is greater than any of man's ideas, and God is even greater.
His love for us knows no bounds -- it has no beginning, and it has no end. It manifests itself in so many ways, and never should man should rebuff his love -- no matter how it is given --.
Now, we are gathered together to witness the pledge of the two before us publicly and before the eyes of God..."
"Well, isn't this lovely?" came a voice from the back of the room. All eyes turn to where the sound had come from. "I just think it's all peachy-keen the way all of you are so accepting of the two fags." Annette finally comes into view, carrying an Uzi, its barrel sweeping the crowd as she walks to the front of the room.
"Robyn? It's mo..." the words hang in her throat.
"What is it, Annette?" comes the voice of a man who I see looks just like his brother. Reynolds."
"Where's my daughter, faggot?" Annette spits out at Greg.
"No hello? How are you?" Greg asks, remarkably cool. Annette trains her weapon at him.
"I said, where's my daughter?" She points the gun in the air, and fires a few rounds, plaster raining down. "I'M NOT PLAYING WITH YOU!"
"Oh my God!" Greg shrieks. "She was right in the room above us, you fool!"
He makes a break for the door, and Annette is immediately on his heels. I guess her mothering instincts took over.
During the confusion, Bryan manages to pull his weapon along with about ten others in the room.
"ANNETTE!" I yell, drawing my pistol. "STOP!"
She turns, leveling the gun towards me, firing off a few shots, hitting me in the chest.
"DAVE!" I hear Greg shout, as I begin to fall from the impact. At that same moment, through all the noise and confusion, I hear the cackle of gunfire
"Greg!" I gasp, just before passing out.
"He's going to be alright," I hear this unfamiliar voice say. "Mr. Welsh? Dave?" he calls, passing something I assume is smelling salts under my nose. I react with a cough and a start.
"GREG!" I shout. I open my eyes, seeing that I have been moved to the office.
"Hold on there," I hear, as hands press against my shoulders.
"Get off of me! Get off of ME! GREG!"
"I'm right here! I'm right here, Dave," I hear his gentle voice say.
I look over at him. Blood is on his shirt and jacket. "Greg! You're hurt!"
"It's not my blood, baby. It's...its Annette's. She's dead!"
"It's a good thing you were wearing this vest," the doctor says.
"Who...who are you?"
"Dave, this is Captain Ferguson, of the Glen Burnie Police Department."
"Captain?"
"We've been fully apprised of the situation, Mr. Welsh, by Detectives Lane and Simms. There's only one fatality, and no one else is seriously hurt.
"Reynolds?"
"We have him in custody," Bryan says, coming into the room. "How ya feeling, Dave?"
"Slightly sore."
"Where's Shelia?"
"She's being questioned now by the police, but she's alright. She's a brave woman."
Bryan helps me off with the vest. "Those are a couple of nasty bruises you have there," he offers.
"Oh my baby," Greg exclaims
"I'm going to be all right, Greg," I say, pulling him to me for a kiss. "I'm just glad you weren't hurt. You were mighty brave -- and crazy. I didn't know what you were doing, at first. She could have killed you."
"I just used the moment. I don't know where the inspiration came from..."
"It was a damn good diversion," Bryan says.
"Dave? Are you alright?" We look to see Shelia come in the room. Her eyes rove over my chest, and I can see a familiar spark in her eyes. The look doesn't go unnoticed by Greg, but he doesn't say anything.
"Shelia, I'm so glad you came in."
"After everything we've been through, I had to see for myself that you're okay. Can I get you anything? Greg?"
"I'd like a Scotch."
"That sounds good," Greg echoes.
Moments later, she comes back into the room. Greg and I are giving a detective with the GBPD our statements. She is pushing a cart with about a dozen glasses and a fifth each of Scotch, Vodka, Gin, and Whiskey. Also there are canned sodas and OJ to use as chasers. She pours Greg and I a drink, and then one for herself before offering drinks to the others.
We watched the Gulfstream, and then the Piper land. After greeting our parents, our children, and the Chicago staff, we took them to the limos that were waiting.
"Gregory? David? I don't understand," Penny said, as we arrived at the cars.
"Mom, we'll explain everything when we get to our destination."
"David Marcus Welsh, what is going on here?" my mother insists.
"I promise, Mom, everything will be made clear in a short while." We help them get into the cars, and begin our journey.
"What about the others?" Greg asks.
"I've sent cars to meet them. They'll be there when we arrived, provided there were no delays."
We arrive at our favorite hotel, the Glen Burnie Sheraton. The doormen scramble as they see the caravan of six limousines pull up. I lead them through the doors, where the Concierge personally greets us.
He leads us to a reception room where they have set up a dinner for us. When we walk in, Rich, Jeff, Betsy, and Bruce hurry to greet us with questions of their own. I can see the Connors and the Perins, as well as Ron and Bryan. Shelia is there also.
A sign is hanging over the head table that reads Good Luck, Greg and Dave. The room is decorated with large colorful bouquets, and the children are being children.
Appetizers and drinks are flowing, and we are generally having a good time.
"May I have everyone's attention," I say, tinkling my champagne glass to call attention to everyone. As soon as everyone quiets, I continue. "First of all, Greg and I would like to welcome everyone to our `rehearsal' dinner. It means a great deal to us to be sharing this with the ones who mean so much to our lives. Each and everyone of you are part of our family, and we love you."
"Even me?" Shelia asks.
"Yes Shelia, especially you."
"Dad always said your life should be judged by the friends you have made, and the contribution that you make, and the legacy you leave behind.
Well, Dad, we have some very special friends here. What most of you don't know is the reason we moved the dinner here tonight instead of at our house as planned.
Today, to the horror of Greg, Shelia, Ron, Bryan, and myself, we lost someone who was once a friend. But she divorced herself from our love and us a long time ago. She let hatred and prejudice take control of her, and it cost us dearly.
There was gunplay at the house today." A collective gasp goes up from all assembled along with a chorus of are you alrights and what happeneds. "We promise to explain all that went on when we have more adult time. But we can say that Connor has a very capable crew at the house now, and he has guarantee that we won't recognize the place when we return.
Now, for the good stuff. Bryan, Rob, Bruce, and Jeff," I continue, taking Greg's hands. "No wedding can take place properly without best men, and you all have been hinting in one way or the other.
Naturally, Greg and I know that someone is going to be disappointed because they won't have all the responsibility. Whoever we name is not an affront to the others because we love you all. Therefore, we would be very honored...we would hope...please say yes..."
"Dave, will you get on with it?" Rob asks, his impatience showing.
"I swear Rob, if they gave an award for impulsive..."
"Gee, Dave," Greg interrupts. "What he's trying to say is that we'd like it if all of you would stand with us, as our friends and supporters."
The guys set off congratulating each other, and planning what they consider to be our last night of freedom.
"Hey guys, what about us? Is this a yes?" I ask.
"Don't be silly. Of course it is," Bryan says, turning his back and talking with the others.
"Our friends," I say to Greg.
"Well, if you give me a couple more minutes?" I talk above the din created by the guys. Everything begins to settle down.
"Greg and I want to say, we made a mistake. You four are too much into this. You're scaring us!" Everybody laughs.
"No, seriously, Dave and I are very happy that you guys are so...enthused," Greg adds, to the hoots and hollers from the guys.
"Okay! Okay. This next announcement is something that Greg and I want to give thanks to God that we are able to make. Shelia," I say, taking a deep breath, "I don't know where to begin with you.
With your help, we were today able to make our family safe. You put our family, and our son, yours, Greg's, and mine, above all else.
That's why Greg and I want to do something special for you, and since the plans are already in the works, you have to agree," I smile. "Rich?"
Rich comes towards Shelia, an architectural tube in his hand. Opening it, he reveals plans for a five-bedroom cottage, complete with patio and pool.
"What's this?" she asks.
"Things between us have changed." That draws a laugh. "I mean, in the last year that you have been in the children's life, in our lives, Greg and I have grown to love you, not as you and I once hope, and not in the love that conceived our little man there, but in the love of family and friends.
You have demonstrated your devotion to us by your actions in the past few months. So, I had Evan petition the court to adjudicate your past indiscretions, and he was successful in making you a free woman; free to come and go where you want; live where you want; and be what you want. Your record has also been sealed.
So, Greg and I talked it over with the family, and we would like for you to come and work for PCL here in Glen Burnie. You will be in charge of the legal department, although you cannot practice yourself. Your knowledge is extremely valuable, and would be a definite asset to our company.
To make this offer even more attractive, Rich has just shown you plans for your new house, which Connor is going to build, within our compound. We have way too much land, and clearing a couple of acres for you will be well worth it.
Rich and Betsy, Mom and Dad, as well as Jeff and Bruce are all building on the property, and we have enough space that we all have enough room to live separately, and together. We just want Micah and Robyn to be able to visit you, and you them, whenever you like."
"Dave, I...Greg, I...thank you. Thank you," she sobs. I look around to see quite a few tears being shed also. "You don't...I don't...thank you both," she says, grabbing each of us for a hug.
"Oh, one more thing," I announce to everyone. "When we leave here tonight, we will be heading to the docks. Mom and Dad have graciously ordered our transportation to the celebration on Paradise Island."
A cheer erupts in the room as Greg turns to me with questioning eyes.