***. Standard disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to people or events is purely coincidental. Locations within Florida have been used by the author to create the setting.
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I appreciate all the positive comments and constructive feedback I've been receiving. This is a prequel to the story Nailed It published on Nifty. Watch for the sequel in the coming months. Please continue to email me at mastersounder2015@gmail.com. Enjoy the story!
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Hard As Nails: Ch 18 -- Trepidatious Tuesday
A sense of normalcy prevailed once more on Tuesday morning. Clayton arose at 5:30 performed his morning toilet, dressed for his run, and headed downstairs. As he entered the darkened kitchen he thought, "I thought at least Fifth would run with me this morning." He grabbed a protein drink and chugged it down relishing the pumpkin spice flavor. He glanced through the sliding door toward T2 and didn't see any lights in the windows. Sucking up his disappointment he headed out the side door and began his 5-mile run alone.
Fifty minutes later Clay arrived back at the main house. It was eerily quiet. He drank 16 ounces of water and started his husband's morning coffee. After depositing the coffee next to Sean on the nightstand, Farm Boy stripped off his clothes and headed down to the pool. He did 20 laps then showered outside. He toweled off and started back into the house when he noticed a light on in the Salon's kitchen window. He wrapped the towel around his waist and walked over to see who was up.
When he got closer the door opened and he was welcomed by his youngest daughter Gitte. She hugged her father and kissed his cheek, "Morning Dad. How are you today?"
"A little out of sorts. With a family as large as ours I thought more of you would be up. Guess everyone is having a sleep-in."
"Dad, we start school next Wednesday. We'll be up and ready to go by 6 every morning since you report for work by 6:30. Don't begrudge us a sleep-in. Anyway, I have a question for you." She took her father's hand and led him over to the couch in front of the fireplace. The two sat down and Gitte continued, "Vic and I were reading up on advanced placement courses on the internet last night. They don't show AP courses for freshmen or sophomores. How does AHS offer them?"
"My understanding from the info they gave us at registration is that they call them AP but you're just taking the next level higher course. You'll be taking junior-level classes. The boys will take the sophomore-level ones. Then next year you will take the AP courses toward college credit."
"So instead of just calling them advanced courses, they stick placement in there because it sounds good."
Clay laughed, "Yes, I think you're right. It probably helps build parent support by giving bragging rights. Arcadia is a small town with a defined pecking order. We're an old family and some would say old money family. Marrying a Reed was the goal of many in this town up until my dad's generation. None of his sisters married locally nor did he."
"I never knew that. I'll have to ask Mormor how they met."
"She'll love telling you too. And you already know my siblings found their spouses at college or in the military. Though we worried that your Uncle RJ was going to get some girl pregnant during high school. He came close one time, but the young lady was just a week late. He was a real horn dog."
"Hence the `Just because you can doesn't mean you should,' line in our birds and bees talks," Gitte chuckled.
"Exactly. How about I fix chocolate chip pancakes this morning?"
"It's not Sunday. What will people think!" Gitte teased.
"They'll think this man loves his family and that he'll make a special breakfast for them."
"Pops should be up by now," Gitte commented.
"Yes, it's after 7:30. He'll come down once he smells the chocolate and the bacon. The man knows what that will mean," Clay laughed. "I better be quiet I'll wake Vic."
"You two already did," a voice floated down from the upstairs loft. "I've been eavesdropping."
"Well good morning, Victoria!"
"Morning Dad, Gitte."
"Morning Sis! I'm going to help Dad with the breakfast. If you set the table, we can make the boys do all the cleanup."
"I see. It's an us against them conspiracy," Clay laughed again as he stood to head back to the main house.
"Always!" both girls said simultaneously before laughing.
"I'll come with you now Dad," Gitte said while tucking the sarong a little tighter around her breasts. "On second thought, I'll be over in a minute. First, I want to turn this sarong into a chlamys. You know like the one Gun wore in that photo."
"OK, I'll head to the kitchen and start slaving away," Clay said mockingly. He headed out and Gitte retreated to her bedroom. She opened her jewelry box and found a large butterfly broach. She rearranged the sarong, so it fell from her left shoulder. She pinned it there and inspected herself in the mirror. She turned and could see that she was modestly dressed as required for meals. When she came out of her bedroom Vic was standing at the foot of the stairs.
"What a marvelous idea! Do you mind if I copy it? No more having to worry about a tuck coming undone. It is probably easy to get on and off too."
`Why would I mind? The chlamys is part of our heritage," Gitte smiled at her sister. "See you in a bit."
In the kitchen Gitte found her father seated at the breakfast bar on his cell phone. She set about getting out the two pounds of bacon they would need for the 8 of them. She heard the phone being set down and her father make a deep sigh. `What's up, Dad?"
"That was Bixley, he's set up a meeting between the Sheriff and the CFS agent for noon here at the house. He's on his way down to be present."
"He is sure earning his retainer this year," Gitte commented. "Shall I pull the things to mix the pancake batter?"
Clay smiled. He thought, "I'm lucky to have such kind and thoughtful children." He added, "No, I'll deal with it." He then busied himself with preparing the batter and heating the griddle. Vic came in and started setting the table while Gitte finished arranging the bacon on the drip pan, placing the grease screen on top of the meat, and setting it into the oven at 350 degrees.
In T2, Gunnar was also on the phone with Connor Mack who was sharing, "My Mom and Dad said Tyler and I can have a sleepover outside in the 8-man tent. We're each allowed to invite two guests. I've already invited Buddy and I would like to invite you too. Do you think you can come? It would be a lot of fun getting to know you better before school starts."
"I would love to come! However, I'll have to ask my fathers. I know one of their rules is there must be adult supervision and they will want to meet or at least talk to your parents. Could you text me their phone numbers? I'll go talk to my parents now and get you an answer this morning."
"Not a problem. My Dad will barbeque something for us for dinner. We'll have a campfire, roast marshmallows, and tell ghost stories. We can arm wrestle and just shoot the shit. Oh, Dad does check on us unannounced throughout the night. He caught Tyler, my brother, with beer last year. This is my first year being allowed to invite guests. I do hope your folks let you join Buddy and me."
"Send me the numbers, I'll get dressed and go ask now. Talk to you soon." Gun ended the call and pulled a clean sarong from his drawer. He took a moment to piss before wrapping it around his waist. He headed out the door to the main house when he noticed the sun reflecting off a crop of blond hair on the deck outside his parents' bedroom. "Pops I'm coming to see you!" the teen hollered. Sean raised his right hand in acknowledgment.
Rather than go downstairs Sean had decided he wanted some quiet time in the morning sun. After his morning toilet, he finished his coffee and headed out onto the deck to sit in one of the chaise lounges. The sun felt wonderful on his naked body. He had only been outside 20 minutes when Gunnar had spotted him. He thought, "Next time I'll lay the chaise flat so they can't see my hair."
Minutes later Gunnar opened the door to the deck and walked over to hug and kiss his father. "Morning Pops. I love you."
"I love you too Gunnar. What has you all excited this morning?" Clay joined them on the deck.
"Morning Chief, Gunnar. Gun, you ran through the house and didn't even stop to say hello. I came to see what the emergency is."
"Sorry Dad, no emergency just exciting news. I've been invited to a backyard sleepover tonight!"
"That is good news. Do we know this person who invited you?" Pops inquired.
"Dad does, I think, and you probably saw him. He's Connor Mack from the football team. I already told him the requirements. He pulled out his phone and texted Connor's parents' numbers to both of his fathers. He says his father spot-checks throughout the night as his brother, Tyler, had beer one time. Oh, and Connor's other guest will be Bud Harris."
"Well it's good to know his dad is involved," Clay said. "His father seemed like the good sort when I met him last spring after I accepted the job. Pops and I will let you know after we talk with his folks."
"Thanks," Gunnar grinned broadly. He didn't mention he had fantasized about Connor. I'm hoping I can go and make friends."
"Well sounds like they want to make friends with you as well," Pops noted.
"Aketay offyay!" Clay ordered in Pig Latin.
"Illway oday Adday , Opspay," Gunnar replied with a shit-eating grin. "Asway atthay aconbay iyay elledsmay?' Gun inquired as he opened the deck door.
"Esyay andyay ocolatechay ipchay ancakespay areyay aboutyay otay ebay ookedcay. Ogay akeway ouryay othersbray!"
Gunnar grinned again closed the door and headed back to T2. He loved doing pig Latin with his dad.
Sean sat up on the chaise's 6" cushion and patted it for Farm Boy to come and sit beside him. "I know the look in your eyes. What's wrong?"
"I have a meeting at Noon with Henry, the Sheriff, and Investigator from CFS at noon here at the house."
"I'll be there too whether they like it or not. I'm fed up with this shit. When does Henry arrive?"
He's already on the road. Should be here by 11."
"Good, we can get on the same page. Harassment. You'd think Ron DeSantis was still around with his, `Don't Say Gay,' bullshit." Sean clenched his jaw, another of his tells that he was pissed. His face softened, and he grabbed his husband, pulled him into a tight hug, and kissed him. Their tongues battled briefly before Chief released his Farm Boy. "So chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. It's not even Sunday. I'll be down in a minute." Clay went back to the kitchen and Sean stood up. He walked back into the bathroom where he urinated again. He pulled a black sarong from his drawer and tied it around his waist. He joined his family as they gathered downstairs.
In the kitchen, breakfast was well underway. Vic had set the table and was placing orange juice and milk at the places her siblings would occupy. Pops and Dad would get coffee cups and juice. Gitte was watching the bacon to ensure it crisped the way everyone liked it. Clay had begun making the pancakes adding the chocolate chips to make smiley faces or other figures in the finished product.
"Morning Pops," Gitte called as she opened the oven door to check the bacon again.
Vic followed her, "Morning Pops! Sleep well?" She sashayed over and kissed her father on both cheeks.
"Very well thank you. I like the new look ladies. A modern take on the chlamys. Very nice."
"It was Gitte's idea," Vic shared.
"Yes, thanks to the pictures Gunnar shared last evening," their youngest daughter explained.
Gunnar piped up, "We could greet our visitors dressed alike in our white and blue sarongs."
"You have a death wish," Vic retorted. "You think I'm going to let a CFS investigator see me in anything but slacks and a baggy tee shirt you're crazy."
"Yeah, you're probably right. But I'm not wearing shoes for them," Gunnar replied defiantly.
Three more boys burst into the kitchen, AJ blurted out, "Where's breakfast? I'm starving!"
"Oh yeah, he who has not been fed is hungry," Clay teased. "Put your buttocks in a chair and be patient a few more minutes and all the pancakes will be done."
"He's going to have to cover up those sweet cheeks before the investigators get here," Vic ragged on her brother.
"I thought you liked my bouncing buns sissy!" AJ shot back in mock horror.
"I hear you taught guys at your school your favorite shower song," Vic continued her verbal mocking of her brother.
AJ looked at her and bit, "I don't know which one there are so many."
"Watch them wiggle, watch them jiggle! You can apply it to both your back and front views."
AJ was about to answer when Sean intervened, "Victoria Elizabeth Reed - Walls, that is enough. You six will be at your best when they are here. Stay in your wings. Henry will get all this bullshit sorted, I'm sure."
"Chocolate chip pancakes with bacon," Clay announced as he ceremoniously placed the platter of 36 pancakes in front of his Chief and Gitte placed the bacon in front of Dad's place. All four boys licked their lips.
"Erik, would you lead the blessing," Clay inquired.
Erik reached out his hands to his siblings, bowed his head, and prayed, "Lord, make us grateful for what we are about to receive. Amen."
Pops picked up his plate and put 8 pancakes on it and passed to his left before taking Clay's plate and putting half of his stack on his husband's plate. All the plates slip around the table and were filled. As the family buttered and applied various syrups to their breakfast the bacon made its way around the table. For 10 minutes all anyone could hear was chewing.
Fifth raised the issue of shopping. "I know this appointment thing today is on your minds Dad and Pops. However, AJ and I need to get to Walmart before all the good stuff is picked over."
AJ elbowed Fifth in his side, "Did you have to go there now? You have no sense of timing."
Clay nodded, "You should listen to your brother more often. But since you raised the question, Pops and I spoke about that last evening. He was going to take you after breakfast. However, I'm sure he will take you later this afternoon if we're finished with the investigator's questions."
"Thank you," AJ offered.
"Yes, thank you Pops and Dad," Fifth added.
When the family finished Clay, Vic, and Gitte left the kitchen. The remaining guys knew cleanup was on them and got busy. Each teen took his plate and flatware to the sink and Sean picked up Clay's, Vic's, and Gitte's. Erik started rinsing things and placing them in the dishwasher. Fifth cleaned the griddle, mixing bowl, and cookware. Gunnar wiped down the table and counters and AJ swept the floor before using a swifter on it. In no time the breakfast dishes were running in the dishwasher.
"I think it's time for a morning dip," Pops announced and headed out to the pool. He was closely followed by his four sons. All five dropped their sarongs and dove into the cool water. Sean set the tone by doing his laps. The four boys followed suit.
The girls had retreated to the salon and were tidying up a bit. Gitte left to check the hen house for eggs. Clay had retreated to his office and was going through yesterday's mail and fielding calls from the forepersons working in the various divisions.
Sean stopped after 40 laps.
"I'm glad you stopped," AJ told his dad. "I was getting tired. I think I need more pancakes."
"You ate two of the four leftovers," Erik ribbed him.
"And you ate the other two," AJ shot back.
Sean shook his head. "Don't forget to check your chore lists to see what needs to be done today. He walked toward the house and headed to his bedroom to shower and change. The hot water washed over his toned body. Chief thought, "It is very presumptuous for them to come to our home. I'm going to take a page from Gunnar. I'll wear shorts and a muscle shirt and go barefoot." He scrubbed his body and was rinsing off when Clay entered the bath and joined him in the shower.
"Hello sailor, you cum here often?" Farm Boy teased.
Embracing his spouse Chief replied, "As often as I can."
"How about soaping up my ass and plowing my field? I need some stress release."
Sean grabbed the bar of Dr. Squatch's natural soap and started rubbing it under Clay's balls. Maneuvering around the ginger hunk he ordered, "Against the wall!"
Farm Boy leaned forward against the shower wall, grasping the handles of the two soap dishes mounted into the wall, and spread his legs. Chief moved the square bar of soap from one hand to the other and started rubbing his boy's pink puckered rosebud. Clay sighed loudly with contentment.
Sean reduced the water flow and soaped up both of his hands. With his left hand, he reached around and started jacking the stiff prick jutting from his lover's groin. With his right hand, he started fingering open the rosebud entrance to Clay's velvet-lined cock glove.
Farm Boy started to hump his hard-as-nails cock wrapped in his master's hand while pushing back onto the hand working his asshole. Chief stopped and let the football jock do the work. Within minutes Clay had worked Sean's four fingers inside his ass up to the knuckles. "I'm ready Sir. Please fuck me."
Chief released the quivering cock and removed his hand with a loud woosh as the air got sucked into the gaping void. He squirted lube onto his hand and rubbed it over his wet cock. He lined up his dick and sank in balls deep. Clay shuddered as the 9-inch penis rubbed past his prostate and pushed through into his descending colon.
Each time he pulled off his Sir's cock and humped the air, the edges of Sean's mushroom cockhead would stretch the sphincter of the descending colon. As he picked up the speed of fucking himself on his Chief's dick the sensation of opening that sphincter lessoned but his pleasure was increasing. He began feeling the tingle of an anal orgasm beginning. Just a few minutes after that tingle had alerted him to his impending orgasm the first waves of pleasure engulfed his rectum. His anal sleeve was grasping tightly at the cock embedded into it.
The first wave washed over his body as he humped the dick in his ass faster and faster building toward shooting his load. It took another five minutes. Sean shot first flooding the well-plowed ass of his husband and triggering Clay's load to blast from his untouched cock in four massive bursts of semen from his cockhead. Both men slumped to the floor letting the warm water wash over them as Chief hugged his husband tightly. The couple stayed that way as the afterglow of their orgasms faded. Afterward, they finished their showers and dressed.
"You're not wearing just shorts and a tee shirt?" Clay questioned.
"This is how I dress. I didn't invite them. They invited themselves. I'm not dressing to impress," Sean responded.
"I would have thought with the investigator coming you'd present yourself differently." "Clay, CFS doesn't need an invite to show up. They just do so they would have found us wrapped in sarongs. I could do that, so they get the idea we're all naturalists."
"Well, your basket is quite prominent."
"So is yours in those jeans."
"Point made. I'll be in the office," Clay left the bedroom and headed downstairs.
Sean picked up his cell phone and headed to the library outside their bedroom. He sat in his chair and dialed Conner Mack's father. The phone was answered on the 4th ring.
"Captain Mack, how can I help you?"
Sean tried to hide the surprise in his voice, "Captain Mack, this is Sean Walls-Reed, Gunnar's father. He has asked to take part in a sleepover at your home this evening."
"Oh yes, Sean, I've been expecting your call. Please call me Fred. I look forward to meeting you in person. Yes, we let the boys invite friends over for sleepovers. During the warmer parts of the year, we pitch an eight-man tent in the backyard. We grill out, build a campfire, and they hang out. Connor is rather hoping you and your husband will permit Gunnar to participate tonight."
"Thank you, Fred. My husband told me he remembers meeting you last Spring when he was hired, and he met the team and parents. Gun tells me that you check on the boys throughout the night."
"Yes, that's true. Last summer Tyler, my oldest boy snuck some beer out of the fridge. I caught them just as they were opening the cans. My son was sent to his room and they the other two boys were driven home in the middle of the night. Now I sleep on the sofa in the family room and get up at various times. Sometimes as quick as 5 minutes after my last visit. Guess being a firefighter helps. We learn to sleep deep in the gaps between calls."
"Thank you for your service. Protecting our community is a high calling. I'm sure Gunnar will have m awesome time."
The alarm bell began ringing at the firehouse. "Must go. Call my wife for details." Fred ended the call.
Sean reset his phone and dialed Mrs. Mack. She answered after just 1 ring.
"Mother we just hung up," Mrs. Mack stated in exasperation.
"Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not your mother. This is Sean Walls-Reed, Gunnar's father."
"Oh, I beg your pardon Mr. Walls-Reed. My mother has been calling numerous times today. I do hope you and your husband will permit Gunnar to camp out tonight."
"That's why I am calling. By the way, please call me Sean."
"Please call me Vera Sean. I'm looking forward to meeting you and your family."
"Vera, I spoke with Fred and I'm happy to say you seem to be very involved parents. We are happy to permit Gunnar to camp out tonight. Fred had to leave for a call, so he asked me to get the details from you."
"Connor will be so pleased. Sadly it will only be Connor and his guests tonight. I am waiting for Tyler to come home to ground him. He didn't bring his laundry down this morning before he left to hang out with friends, so I went up to retrieve his laundry bag and I found a smut magazine hidden behind it in their closet. I haven't told Fred yet. His shift ends at 6. He'll be livid."
"I understand. Happened with our oldest boy as well. What time should we bring Gunnar over?"
"Sorry didn't mean to unload on you. Teenage boys are a handful as I'm sure you know with four of your own. Please come by at 6 this evening. You'll be able to meet Buddy Harris' folks as well. Fred gets home at about 6:15 and the grill will be ready for him to start cooking. We're having pork chops, corn on the cob, and baked beans. I've made a pineapple upside-down cake for dessert. We have plenty of tea, water, and sodas for the boys to drink. Gunnar isn't allergic to any of that is he?"
"No, he should be fine with the menu. Should he bring anything?"
"Snack foods for overnight. The boys seem to talk into the wee hours. His sleeping bag and any toiletries he needs for the morning. We typically don't wake them and let them get up on their schedule. He can call when he's ready to leave or I can run him home."
"Thank you. Either Clay or I will come to get him. I look forward to meeting you. See you at 6."
"See you at 6. Have a great day." Vera ended the call.
Sean headed over to T2 to let Gunnar know what he needed to bring. As he passed through the family room, he heard his daughters discussing how they were dressed.
"Gitte, you want to wear jeans and sweat to death go ahead. I'm wearing shorts and a top. I'm not getting dressed up for people I'll see for all of 2 minutes."
"But we need to make a good impression for Dad and Pops. We don't want them thinking we weren't raised properly."
Sean walked into the kitchen, "What's all the racket in here?" he smiled broadly at his daughters. Gitte's mouth dropped open and Vic smiled broadly.
"See look how Pops is dressed!"
"OK relaxed it is," Gitte murmured.
"Dress however you wish girls. This is our home. They are unwelcome guests whom we will treat politely and respectfully. However, I don't think we need to wear our tiaras."
The girls giggled. "We could wear matching tiaras," Vic stated. "Like we did for Halloween two years ago. All eight of us. I'll never forget the people's faces when the boys and you and Dad came in dressed in various sports uniforms with a tiara on your heads."
"It was hilarious," Gitte laughed. "Fifth won the prize for the weirdest costume and you won for the skimpiest."
"Well, maybe I should have worn a full crown instead of a tiara."
"Pops I think it was the wrestling the pink singlet that was skimpy," Vic broke in. "It seems the men in our family are large in a particular lower region while it appears we ladies are going to be top heavy."
"Your point is taken," Pops replied. "Now relax and enjoy your day." He left them and continued to T2. Entering the building he called out, "Hello the house!"
Gunnar burst from his room to the railing, "Hello Pops! Did you call?"
"I did. We'll leave at 5:30. Sleeping bag..."
"Toothbrush, change of clothes, and snacks for overnight," Gun finished the list.
"Right you are. Get Erik and meet me in the TV room." He knocked on AJ's door and then Fifth's. "Meeting time in the TV room," he announced loudly. Sean then went into the theater room and sat cross-legged on the floor.
Gunnar was the first to arrive and he sat on Sean's left. Erik was next and he sat to his father's right. Fifth arrived followed by AJ who was wrapping a towel around his waist.
"Pops, I was taking a dump. What's the big issue?" AJ inquired.
"Pornography!" Sean announced. "We've had this discussion before, but I want to raise it again as I believe at least two of you appear to rely on it heavily." Fifth and Erik both blushed. "Pornography is not the real world. It is a fantasy that is created. The danger to you boys is that it provides an instant fix for your brains. It gets to the point that one can't achieve an orgasm without viewing it or worse - trying to recreate it with another person."
Fifth raised his hand. Pops nodded toward him. "I understand your point. What would you call the pictures Dad and you posed for back in college?"
"Art, albeit erotic art. It would hint at what could be. Compare it to the nude firemen calendars. One can appreciate the beauty of the body. You might even want to have sex with the model. However, how that sexual encounter would unfold would be the result of imagination and the interaction between two people."
"I get it," Fifth replied. "I can look at naturist magazines all I want but not those depicting sexual acts."
"Yes. Let me ask you this. What is the most important sexual organ in your body?"
"The boys looked at each other silently for a few minutes before Gunnar piped up, "Our brain."
"Why?
"Well, you said sex involved the imagination and interaction between two people. Imagination and desire form in the brain."
"You are correct. If two people agree to and enjoy what they are doing, sex can be marvelous. It's not all about sticking a penis into an orifice and getting off." Sean paused and looked at each of his sons. "Remember, just because you can..."
All four boys responded together, "...doesn't mean you should."
"I love each of your more than you can know. I am proud of the young men you are each becoming. You know the rules about pornography in the house. Fifth, if you find any more of your magazines, trash them, and let me know you trashed them. Erik, I don't want to take your phone away, but I am going to monitor your usage more closely. If I see porn sites being logged into after this talk, I will take the phone away. Each of you knows I also monitor your laptop browsing too. Don't play me for the fool. You know I'm not. My last comment is that Dad isn't going to be told of this chat until all this bullshit at the high school dies down. You all know what he would be adding here." The four boys nodded. "Excellent. Any other comments or concerns?"
Erik spoke up, "Pops I get it, but everybody is going to need to help me adjust."
"That's why we're a family. I'm sure all of us will support you as you try to shed the habit. Remember, it doesn't mean you can't masturbate alone or given the way this room and the corner bedroom in the house have smelled lately, together." He shot the boys a knowing smile. Now it's almost time for the attorney to arrive so I need to get back to the house." He stood up and the boys did the same. He hugged each one and kissed their foreheads then left them to talk.
At 11 o'clock the front doorbell rang, and Vic went to answer it. "Mr. Bixley, how good to see you again."
"Wish it was under better circumstances Miss Victoria," he returned her greeting while walking into the house.
"Dad said you should have a seat in the living room. This way, please. She led Henry into the room turning on the lights as they entered. "I'll get my father for you. Would you care for anything to drink?"
"Perhaps a hot cup of tea please," the attorney responded.
"Certainly Sir. I'll bring it along in a few minutes." She left the living room and went down the hall to the office. "Dad, Henry is here in the living room."
"Thanks, Vic," he responded standing up from his chair behind the desk. His daughter headed down the hall to the kitchen.
Reed walked down the hall and entered the living room. He held out his hand to Henry. "We have got to stop meeting like this," Clay joked.
"I agree. Three cases in the space of a week. Hopefully, we can put this thing with the CFS behind us today."
Sean entered the room. "Henry, how was your drive?"
"Quiet. It is beautiful driving through all the pastureland and groves. I see you've gone native." He pointed at Sean's bare feet.
"I tried to tell him to dress more," Clay interjected.
Sean shot his husband the look. "As I told Leon, normally I'd be running around with less than this. So this is as dressed as I intend to be."
"It is not an issue. I'm hoping we can get this over with within 30 minutes. From what I was able to get from the Sheriff, one of the alleged conspirators alleged you had egged them on. It is total rubbish, but they still must ask the questions."
Vic entered carrying a tray with a teapot, three teacups, cream, sugar, and sweeteners. There was also a plate of several types of cookies. "Would you like me to pour?"
"I think we can manage, thank you, Vic," Dad responded.
"Mr. Bixley, my grandmother made those cookies. I hope you enjoy them."
"I shall savor one of each, Miss Victoria. Thank you for your hospitality," the attorney smiled at the young woman as she left the room. The three men poured their tea and Henry opened his briefcase. "Clay, please tell me what happened from your point of view."
Farm Boy recounted the events of the previous Saturday as he experienced them from the time the family left until he was summoned to his parents' home. He then detailed how the faculty meeting and his subsequent meeting with the Sheriff and the CFS Investigator. Henry took notes throughout.
"Now Sean, you were with the children at the high school, correct?" Walls nodded. "Please tell me what transpired," Sean repeated the events as they had unfolded on the campus. "Thank you. Why was Gunnar filming the incident?"
"How about we bring him in and let him tell you himself?" Sean suggested. He pulled his cell phone from the pocket of his shorts and texted Gunnar to come to the living room. While they waited Henry tried another type of cookie Vic and set out for them. Gunnar arrived dressed almost exactly like Pops.
Henry stood and shook hands with the young man. "You certainly have grown since I last saw you, young man. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me."
"My pleasure Sir. How can I help?"
"Just answer a question for us. Why were you filming the registration process?"
"I took a few photographs at home, during the drive, and in the parking lot before we walked up to the registration table. I started the video to record our first tryouts at our new high school. After we were signed in, we would be going in different directions. Then those ladies started giving Pop grief and I let the video continue. Dad and Pops have always told us to video what we can in contentious situations."
"How many times have you videoed such situations?"
"Three times, Sir." Henry waved his hand indicating Gunnar should continue. "You already know the last two. The first time was when another student in my English Class threatened my teacher. I caught him picking up the chair and throwing it across the room at her."
"Sounds like a good thing to have done. I hope the teacher wasn't hurt."
"No, she wasn't harmed. The Principal and Dean of students came in and pinned him down on the floor until the deputies arrived. Then they handcuffed him and took him away. I think the School Board expelled him, but Miss Peloson never returned. She resigned that day."
"I see. Sadly we lose many gifted teachers to unruly students. Thank you for sharing. If needed, would you mind repeating your account to the Sheriff and the Investigator?"
"Sure, just let me know. May I go now?"
"Thank you, son," Dad smiled at his youngest. "You can take off now." Gunnar shook hands with Henry and left the room.
"So when they get here, they are going to read you your rights. From that point on I'll be doing the talking. If they ask a specific question, I'll remind you what you told me here by whispering in your ear. So may I suggest we receive them in the dining room?"
"Sure, it's almost noon anyway. We can go set up and be ready for them," Sean agreed. He led the way across the entryway and into the dining room. Victoria and Gitte came in from the kitchen.
"We prepared some finger sandwiches and more cookies. Shall we set them on the buffet?" Victoria inquired.
"Very thoughtful girls. We'll find out if they want something to drink once they get here," Pops informed them.
"I'll stay with my tea," Henry added setting his cup on the table. He chose a seat, so his back was to the windows. "Clay please sit to my right and Sean to my left. This way the sun won't be in our eyes."
"It's all about stage managing, isn't it?" Sean commented.
Sean Andreas Walls, you know it. You have seen me rehearse with your parents and yourself on numerous occasions. This will be a piece of cake. I'll even bet you they either arrive early or late to try to fake us out."
Vic and Gitte brought a freshly brewed pot of tea into the room as well as a pitcher of iced water and glasses. Everything was set.
At 11:50 the doorbell rang. This time Gitte answered the door. "Good morning, Sheriff Johnson. Nice to see you again. Please come in." The Sheriff and the CFS Investigator entered the vestibule. "My fathers and Mr. Bixley are waiting for you in the dining room. This way please." She showed the pair into the dining room. Then left by the door to the kitchen. Everyone shook hands.
"May we offer you some refreshments?" Clay said pointing to the buffet. We have hot tea and ice water, finger sandwiches, and cookies baked by my mother."
"Martha made these! Clive, you must try them. She is an excellent baker."
"I'd rather get down to business Sheriff."
"Well, I'm not passing these up," the Sheriff took several finger sandwiches and cookies. She poured herself a cup of tea and took a seat opposite Clay. "I think we should begin where we left off yesterday Junior. You have the right to remain silent. Anything that you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have a lawyer present before and during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, then one will be appointed for you to represent you before and during questioning. Since your attorney is present, I believe you understand your rights."
Clay looked at Henry who nodded, "Yes, I understand my rights."
"Excellent. We're here because an allegation has been made that you utilized your children to foment the regrettable incident at the high school."
"Sheriff, if I may," Henry interrupted. "My client was not on campus at the time of the incident. How could he have fomented it?"
"I'm CFS Investigator Clive Owens. It has been alleged that Mr. Reed and Mr. Walls manipulated the situation by using their children to antagonize the staff, first at the hospital and then at the high school to advance their gay agenda."
"Are you listening to the words coming from your mouth Mr. Owen?" Henry began. "I haven't heard such dribble from someone's mouth since Ron DeSantis left office. There is no gay agenda, except in the minds of narrow-minded fools and right-wing religious zealots."
"It's a valid charge," Owens continued.
Henry waved his hand toward the CFS Investigator and turned to the Sheriff. "It seems Sheriff, you didn't inform me of the extent of this so-called charge. I believe you have statements from both Mr. Reed and Mr. Walls. We won't be entertaining any questions about gay agendas here."
"Mr. Bixley, I informed you what I was given by Mr. Owens yesterday, It appears he misrepresented the charge to an officer of the law about his true intent here," she glared at Owens."
"Pastor Goddard says all gays have an agenda to force their lifestyle on the community," Owen whined.
"That's enough," Sheriff pounded her hand on the table. I bet you go to the same church as the accused in this matter. You shit. You have a clear conflict of interest." She pulled out her handcuffs and placed them on the table. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything that you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have a lawyer present before and during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, then one will be appointed for you to represent you before and during questioning. Do you understand your rights?"
"Yes, I want an attorney."
Sheriff Johnson clicked her communicator, "Toby, please come in." A few moments later Deputy Toby Olsen entered and looked at Clay who was sitting drinking a cup of tea and then at the Sheriff who stood behind the guy from CFS. "Toby put him in the back of the squad car. Call a tow truck to come to get his vehicle and tow it to the impound. Book him for filing a false report with the Sheriff's Office."
"Will do Sheriff." He took Clive and led him away.
"Oh please call and have them send someone back to pick me up in say 30 minutes."
"Yes, Ma'am."
The Sheriff then called CFS in Tallahassee. "This is Sheriff Lillian Johnson from DeSoto County. I need to speak with the director." She listened. "Now you listen to me. Your investigator, Clive Owens, is under arrest for filing a false report and not reporting a conflict of interest. He's opened a hornet's nest here in Arcadia and I don't give two cents that the director is at lunch. Get her on the phone. You apparently have a corrupt department here in DeSoto County and I'm going to tell that to the press." She listened again. "Yes, she can reach me at this number.
"Junior, Sean, I am sorry for this. I'm marking this case closed and the allegation is unfounded. However, is there anything else you want me to put into the record as I deal with this issue?"
"Yes, Sheriff," Henry said. "I'd like you to hear what Gunnar has to say. Sean, would you get your son, please?" Sean stood and walked out of the dining room through the kitchen access door. Gunnar was playing solitaire at the kitchen table while listening to something through his air buds.
Sean walked up to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Gunnar, Sheriff Johnson is ready to hear from you. Please bring your phone so you can show her your pictures and the video"
"OK Pops. I'm ready."
Father and son reentered the dining room. Sean returned to his seat near Henry and Gunnar sat beside the Sheriff. Johnson smiled at the teen. "Good afternoon, Gunnar. I understand you have some information to share about the incident at the high school."
"Yes Ma'am, I do. What would you like to know?"
The sheriff's cell phone rang, and she answered it. "Sheriff Johnson," she listened a moment. "Thank you for reaching out to me so quickly Director Nunez. I've arrested your investigator for making false statements to the Sheriff's Department. I've taken his notes, including the charging sheet into evidence as it appears someone added notes to the document that do not match his handwriting. His verbal outburst about the pastor of the church involved with all of those arrested so far in the conspiracy also indicates he has a direct conflict of interest." The Sheriff listened again.
"Knowing what we now know I'm ready to mark this case unfounded and closed. I have one more witness I wish to hear from who was involved. Would you like to listen in?" The sheriff listened to the response. Then switched her phone to speakerphone. "You're on. This interview is being recorded. Please identify yourself and any others listening on your end."
"Thank you, Sheriff Johnson. I am Matilda Nunez, Director of CFS."
"Good afternoon, I am Joe Finn, Ms. Nunez's Administrative Assistant."
"I'm Albert Cassidy, Assistant State Attorney assigned to the CFS. I need to state up front that I will advise on legal questions but will not state opinions as I know both Mr. Walls and Mr. Reed from college. I was Mr. Walls' roommate and he helped me out in a jam. If you wish, I can leave, and you can wait for another ASA to arrive."
Henry looked at Sean who shrugged his shoulders. "We're fine with Mr. Cassidy sitting in. I'm Henry Bixley, Attorney for Sean and Leon."
"I'm Leon Clayton Reed III."
"I'm Sean Andreas Walls."
"I'm Gunnar Adonis Walls-Reed."
"Sheriff Lillian Johnson, DeSoto County, Florida. Now that formalities are out of the way I have a few questions for you Gunnar. First, let me state that Gunnar is a minor and he is being interviewed with the consent of his parents who are both present with their attorney. Gunnar do you know the difference between truth and lying?"
"Yes, ma'am. Truth is stating a fact that is verifiable to some degree. Lies are fabrications knowingly spread to mislead," Gunnar replied.
"Gunnar I'm going to ask you for the truth today. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sheriff."
"Gunnar why did you take photographs and video this past Saturday at the high school?"
"I wanted to remember the events of our first interaction with the high school athletic programs."
"What exactly did you document?"
"I took a few photographs at home as we got ready to leave. I took a few more during the drive, as well as in the parking lot before we walked up to the registration table. I started the video to record Pops turning in our paperwork at the table because after we were signed in, we would be going in different directions."
"Why did you continue the video?"
"Well, those ladies started giving Pop grief, so I let the video continue because Pops and Dad have always told us to video what we can in contentious situations."
"How many times have you videoed such situations?"
"Three times, Ma'am. You already know the last two. The first time was when another student in my English Class threatened my teacher. I caught him on video picking up the chair and throwing it across the room at her."
"Thank you, Gunnar. Will you share those images with my office and CFS?"
Gunnar looked to his fathers and their attorney. Henry answered for them. "Henry Bixley, representing the family's interests. We will share the information through my office."
Joe Finn asked, "How can we be sure all videos and photographs are authentic and verifiable?"
Bixley was annoyed, "Perhaps you don't understand that when an officer of the court submits documents, they are authentic. Perhaps Mr. Cassidy can advise you on the protocols. Gunnar please select and send those files to me by airdrop. Sheriff, if you would please verify that he is selecting all the relevant images from his phone."
"Certainly, Mr. Bixley. I am observing Gunnar selecting the files from his phone. There are 17 images and 1 video file. He is airdropping them to Mr. Bixley now."
"I have received them," Henry noted. "I am now attaching them to an email to Sheriff Johnson." Henry typed a short email to the Sheriff and attached the files before hitting send. "The email is sent."
"I have received an email from Mr. Bixley. I will download the images at the office. I think that concludes our business. This case is being closed and marked as an unfounded accusation by the Sheriff's Department. Ms. Nunez, do you concur?"
"I do, Sheriff. When you get back to your office, please send those images to me. Thank you all for your time in resolving these regrettable accusations. We are ending this call now. Good afternoon to you all." The line went dead.
"Gunnar don't delete those images from your phone, just in case," the Sheriff winked at him with one eye.
The teen winked back and headed back to his room to finish preparing for his campout.
"Gentleman, it's been a pleasure. Though I must say I am looking forward to not meeting under stressful circumstances any time soon." She gathered up her materials and Henry handed her the chip with the recording of the proceedings on it for her files.
"Thanks, that is some fancy gizmo you have there Mr. Bixley. I think I will investigate getting a few for the interview rooms as a backup to the videos." She shook hands with Henry and hugged Junior and Sean. "You two have done a remarkable job with your children. We will probably have to meet a few more times over this mess but I'll give as much notice as I can, unlike CFS which just shows up."
"We appreciate it, Lillian," Clay said as he showed her to the door.
Henry sat and made a few more notes on his pad before packing things up. "I'm out of here guys. Sorry, this got so complicated. If Owens is charged you may have to give testimony, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it." Sean and Clay walked with Henry to his car. The men shook hands and Henry headed back to his office in Winter Park.
They stood with their arms around each other for a few minutes just relishing their solitude and their love before they were surrounded by six clamoring teenagers demanding answers.
"Ah, everything's back to normal," Sean laughed as they enjoyed a group hug.