I Woke Up 278 by M.P. Arsent
Copyright to this story remain strictly that of the author. No other publication or use of this story is allowed without the consent of the author. This story contains male on male sexual content both implied and explicit. If this offends you please do not continue. All characters and implied situations are strictly those of the author and are not based on any real life events or characters. If you are under 18 years of age please exit this story now. I welcome all responses to my stories. Please make sure that you list the name of the story in the email line. If your email is to alert me of misspelled words or improper punctuation or grammar save your time because it will be deleted. I hope you enjoy my vivid imagination. Please let me know what you think at mparsent@gmail.com and don't forget to donate to Nifty as they do an amazing job.
"Well there it is. Team meeting first thing in the morning."
"Then we best get some sleep Den."
We crashed out shortly after that
Sunday morning we were up and out for our jogging and the guys asked what was going on.
"What makes you think something is going on?"
"Because the lights in the Admin building were burning almost all night last night. Figured it had something to do with the complaint."
I didn't see anything for it but to tell them what had happened last night.
"Now please keep that all to yourselves for the time being. There's a meeting been called for 10 am and I'm sure there will be some kind of statement after that. Just what that statement might be I haven't the foggiest. Now let's get this jogging done."
When we were done Karl and I headed back to the apartment and got ourselves together for the day.
About 9:30 we headed back to campus and over to the rec center. We headed for the apparatus room.
"Sorry Karl only team members allowed."
"Wait for me Karl. No idea how long this is going to take."
"I'm going nowhere."
I went into the apparatus room to see some pretty grim faces. Not everybody was here yet, so there was little conversation.
Shortly the coaches and Dean Evans walked in.
"Gentlemen, I'm not going to sugar coat this. The shit, as they say, is getting deep. Even given that, I'm willing to let the team decide what we want to do."
"If I may Dean Evans?"
"Go ahead Mr Sawyer."
"I suspect that everybody wants this season to be the best in school history, nobody more than me. Likewise the all state. It is, however, not worth anybody getting hurt over. Would I like to see this through to the end? Damn straight I would. I am not willing to see anybody get hurt over it. Each of you vote your own mind and no hard feelings anywhere around. For my part, I'm wanting to stay the course."
"Thank you Mr Sawyer. Anyone else?"
"Yes sir. Guys, we knuckle under to this and whoever is behind it will do it again and again until college gymnastics is nothing but a sham. I'm with Dennis. Let's see this through."
"Thank you Mr Cosgrove. Anything to add Coach Warren?"
"Just that I'm willing to stand with you guys no matter what your decision. Personally, after all the crap I've been through already, I'm for showing that we aren't going to knuckle under."
"Very well then. Shall we vote? A simple majority will do and any who wish are free to withdraw and if there are enough left we shall go forward. All in favor of going forward?"
Without any hesitation, every hand in the place went up.
"Very well gentlemen. I shall draft a release for the press. Please make it 'no comment' if any of you should be appraoched. I also want you all to take extra care until the all state. I'm sure Mr Sawyer can give you all some pointers on that subject."
Dean Evans left a that point.
"All right guys, like the Dean said be extra careful from now on. I'll see you all Tuesday."
Coach went into his office at that point, and everybody turned to look at me.
"What can I tell you guys. Go out in at least pairs, don't make uneccesary trips, check your cars before you get into them. Just keep your damn eyes open. Is it going to be a pain in the ass for the next few months? Probably. Is it going to be worth it? When we take the gold for the all state, it damn sure is. Just don't take chances."
The meeting started to break up after that. Karl was waiting for me.
"Well?"
"At this point we're all going to hang in."
"This is going to play havoc with some of these guys."
"More than likely, so if any of them come looking for moral support, we're going to have to stand up."
We made our way back to the car, only to find somebody waiting for us.
"Hey guys."
"Special agent Stimson. Had a feeling you were going to show up. Are you thinking that Andros is behind this?"
"Matter of fact, no. We're pretty sure he has his hands full just running the energy market, though I'm sure some fo his friends have their fingers in this. Did you by any chance preserve your note?"
"Rubber gloves and it is sitting at home in a sealed bag."
"I had little doubt. Well I'll follow you home and see what if there is anything we can get from it. You going to want a bodyguard Dennis?"
"Not unless you're ready to provide one for every member of the team and the coaching staff, and I know you don't have that kind of manpower."
"No I don't, but I will need to speak to the Dean tomorrow."
"Not going to turn the campus into an armed camp are you?"
"No, but I'm sure as hell going to at least offer some extra eyes around here."
Which set me to thinking.
"Well let's get you that note."
We headed home and while Karl drove I started making some phone calls.
First call was to Dana Prembrose.
"Hey Dennis, I can well guess why you're calling, and we got it covered."
"Damn didn't think it was that big a story yet."
"Let's just say where you're concerned, I keep my eyes and ears open."
"I appreciate it Dana. Later. I have a few more calls to make."
"Later."
Next it was a message on the homephone for Mrs O'Hanlon to be extra careful.
"Stan, I guess you've heard by now?"
"Yeah we have. Did something else happen to prompt this call?"
"Most if not all of the team go notes posted to their doors that we should give it up before the shit gets deeper."
"Nuff said. We go on extra cautious until further notice."
"That about sums it up. I still have another call to make Stan. Just be careful."
The last call was to was to Stan Bellows.
"Calling on a Sunday this can't be good news Dennis."
"Just aheads up to be extra careful Stan. The whole gynmastics team got notes on their doors that we should give it up before the shit gets deeper. That could mean almost anything so just get the word out please."
"First thing in the morning. Dennis. You already inform your house?"
"Yeah I left a message for Mrs O'Hanlon."
"The other 'house' Dennis."
I didn't think that Thomas had anything to worry about, but then the realization hit about the whole Trenton family.
"I'll see to it Stan. Later."
I had the coporate number, but it was Sunday, so I called Douglas.
"Hey big brother. What up?"
"Doug are you at home?"
"Yeah."
"Is your dad nearby?"
"He's downstairs."
"Go to him now."
"What the hell Den?"
"I'll explain it I promise."
"Ok here's dad."
"Dennis?"
"James, I know Doug and Drake have been following the story so you can get the background from them. The gymnastics team has been....advised by sources unknown, that we should back down off the season. We had a team meeting a bit ago and we're having none of it. We were warned that the shit could get deep. This is just a heads up so that you are aware. I don't know how widespread the knowledge is that you are my birth father, but I thought you had better have a heads up just to be on the safe side."
"I appreciate that Dennis, but we're pretty well secured here. I will get everybody aware however. You really think whoever might come after the families of the team members?"
"No idea, but better safe than sorry."
"I can agree with that Dennis. I'll let my security know to be extra vigilant. Otherwise how are things going?"
"Everything else is going along fine. We're about to pull into our driveway and I have somebody in tow. I'll try to keep you informed."
"You take care of yourself young man."
"You too."
I hung up and we pulled into the driveway. Stimson parked in the street and I closed the gate behind him when he walked in. It was upstairs and inside where Stimson took a quick look around.
"Here's the note, preserved the best that I could."
"Doubtful we'll get anything useful off of it, but it's worth a try. You sure you don't want any extra protection Dennis?"
"Not unless you're going to do it for everybody."
"Let's face it Dennis. If anyone is the prime target, it is going to be you. You need a little bit more."
"I can't stop you from having an overwatch, but I'm not having a bodyguard unless you have one for every team member. End of discussion."
"Panic button?"
"No thanks."
"Alright then. I am going to have a car on you so don't freak out when you notice him, if you do."
"He had better be better than that first guy you had on me."
"Hey it was his first tail. He's gotten better. Ok, I'm outta here. You just be damn careful."
"Always."
I let him out the gate and Karl and I settled into some book work waiting for Paul and Cam to show up for supper. I did drop Thomas a quick heads up just to cover all of the bases.
Along about 6 they rolled in and Karl and I were down to help set the table.
"So what's the scoop Dennis?"
"What do you mean Paul?"
"It's no secret that there was an emergency meeting of the gymnastics squad this morning, I mean you told us yourself. What happened?"
We hadn't been told not to talk about it, just 'no comment' to the press. I filled them in on the notes,so the Castanzas knew what was going on, and just what had happened at the meeting.
"Now do me a favor and not a word. I imagine the press release will be out tomorrow at some point, but until then not a word. Even after I'd appreciate you guys not talking about it."
"Sure Den mums the word."