This is a work of pure fiction, but based on the author's feelings, beliefs, and in some cases, experience. Come to think of it -- it might not be very pure either! There may be graphic sexual encounters at times between men, so if this offends you, you are invited to retreat. If you are too young or it is otherwise illegal for you to be reading this kind if story, shame on you for reading it - - please stop here. If not, - - ENJOY!
Cast of characters:
Jack Smith -- uh -- that would be me Billy -- Jack's closest brother, 3 yrs older. Will Smith -- My dad Vivian Smith My mom Art -- Jack's oldest brother, 9 yrs older. Ralph Gilmore -- a new friend - deceased Stacy Whitworth -- a catalyst/friend George Toliver -- old grade school buddy George Toliver, Sr, -- (duh!) Cynthia Toliver -- (Mrs. Duh!) Jim Walls-- George's cousin Uncle Jake Smith-- Will's Brother Aunt Lindy -- Uncle Jake's wife Seth Gary -- One of Jake and Lindy's other nephews Etta -- The Jacob Smith's housekeeper. Jake Smith Jr. Jack's cousin Colin -- Jake's partner Carrie Smith -- Another of the Smith cousins Al -- Carrie's Partner Chris Gary -- Seth's older brother. Craig -- Chris's partner Mario -- Old high school friend Terrence Moynahan -- Carmel Architect Casey Bell -- Terrence's attorney
From Chapter 21:
"Bell, Bell and Bell!" Said a female voice.
"Huh?"
"You've reached the offices of Bell, Bell and Bell, Attorneys at Law."
"I got a message to call this number."
"Your name, Sir?"
"Jack Smith."
"One moment."
"Hello, Mr. Smith? Mr. Jack Smith?"
"Yesss?" I said.
"My name is Casey Bell. Are you recently acquainted with Mr. Terrence Moynahan? I'm his attorney."
Chapter 22
A cold shiver went down my spine. I quickly took inventory of everything we had done -- with Terrence -- and after he left. What possibly could we have done to make him sic his attorney on us?
"At-torney?" I said gingerly.
"I'm sorry to bother you, if this is a bad time, you can call me later."
"N-no." I stammered. "What -- um -- what do you want?"
"I am looking for a boy named Jim -- a friend of yours - ?"
"Jim is my friend -- but -- he's 18 years old." I got a startled and querying look from Jim.
"Could you give me his telephone number? I have been instructed to talk to him - - first."
"Um -- sure -- just a minute." I pressed the mute key. "Jim, he wants your telephone number. Shall I give it to him, or do you want to talk to him now?"
"Shit!" Jim said. "Omigod! I dunno! Um -- well, - um -- I guess I'll talk to him now. I'd die of curiosity and fear before he'd get me at home, and I sure as hell don't want my mom or dad involved -- if it can be avoided!"
"Um -- Mr. Bell, Jim is here -- with me -- do you want to talk to him now?"
"Please!" He answered.
I handed the phone to Jim. He looked more scared than I had felt. But -- something in Mr. Bell's tone made me less worried.
Jim talked to Mr. Bell for a long time. I was right; I could tell almost immediately, that we didn't have reason to worry. I only heard one side of the conversation, but when Jim got off the phone, he told me what it was about.
"Jack, I'm not quite sure how to even feel. That attorney guy told me first that Terrence had died -- accidentally. I didn't really believe that, and told him so, but he said that was the story they were sticking with. I asked how he died, but he said it is not important. He said, what IS important is that Terrence met with the attorney yesterday afternoon and changed his will."
"Oh my god!" I said.
"Jack, he left nearly everything -- to me!" Jim's eyes filled with tears. "Mr. Bell said that he has a letter for us -- you and me -- that explains everything. Basically what it says is that he was alone in the world and no one had shown him kindness -- like we did."
"I feel like such a hypocrite!" I said. "You KNOW how I felt toward him!"
"Yeah. Well, anyway, he still left something for you, too."
"What?" I said.
"He wouldn't tell me. He only told me that most of his estate would go directly to me, and that you were to be remembered in it too. We need to meet with him for a formal reading of the will."
"When?" I asked.
"He said to talk it over and call him back."
"What do you think?" I said. "This is all because YOU were kind to Terrence. You decide. I'll do whatever you want."
"I need to call my boss and see if I even have a job left, and - "
"Job?" I interjected. "Jim, that house in Carmel has to be -- well, worth over a million!"
We went the next week. I asked my dad to come along, and he asked his brother - My Uncle Jake -- to also be present. This was all okay with Mr. Bell. Also present was an older woman, Terrence's sister, who looked very dignified, and her attorney, next to her.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. It's best to get these things settled quickly as possible. Let's get down to business. As I explained to Mr. Walls (Jim), Mr. Moynahan recently revised his will -- before his accidental death last week, on Jan. 3. Mr. Moynahan did not know the last names of either young man, but his security system tape -- from a home that he owned in Arroyo Grande -- had video of both of them which was good enough to identify them as the people he described to me. All I had to go on -- in finding these young men was a cell phone number that I a private investigator easily flushed out for me. Terrence Moynahan's revised will now reads as follows:
"I leave my entire estate to the young man named Jim, who last stayed at my home in Arroyo Grande, as shown in my security video. The one exception is that the home in Arroyo Grande -- and all its contents -- shall be given to Jim's friend, Jack.
The value of the home in Arroyo Grande -- to my best guess -- is approximately 1.5 million dollars. The artifacts and amenities in the home will amount to considerably more.
The value of the home in Carmel, which shall go to the aforesaid Jim, Was appraised late in 2005 at 9,450,000 dollars. My entire estate, with home and cars, was appraised two years ago, with a value of 21 million dollars. Investments since then have added to it considerably. "
Mr. Bell stopped reading the will momentarily. "I will stop here to tell you that Mr. Moynahan's estate includes an antique car collection that makes up a majority of the rest of his worth. He also had liquid assets -- cash and negotiable stocks and bonds -- in the amount of $4,445,263.65, as of yesterdays closing bell."
"Continuing with the will, it reads, `I have done this deed in good conscience and in good health, of my own free will. I have instructed my attorney, Mr. Casey Bell, to deliver my personal thanks to these two young men and present them with a letter.' " Said Mr. Bell, as he handed Jim the letter.
"Um -- shall I read it aloud?"
"It may contain content that you would rather not read openly. I have not read it. You may want to read it silently first."
Jim quickly read the short, one page, hand written letter, then read it aloud:
"Dear Jim and Jack,
I have been thinking and wondering how I could possibly thank you for your kindness and charity toward me, and older man, whom you may well have had reason to fear. Thank you so much. You have my permission to dispose of my estates as you please. I have no way to know what your circumstances are, but because of your kindness to me -- the only beings in my recent life to do so -- I have left everything to you.
Yours kindly, Terrence."
"There is one more statement at the bottom of Mr. Moynahan's will." Said Mr. Bell, looking nervous for the first time as he glanced over at Terrence's sister. "I further state that none of my estate shall be given to any of my family, who have never approved of my lifestyle, nor given me or my domestic partner and uncle, John Moynahan, any regard whatsoever. They have thoroughly estranged themselves from me many years ago."
Mr. Bell looked over his glasses at the dignified lady. She looked at the man next to her, probably her attorney. He simply said, "Air tight!"
"Hrmph!" She said, looking daggers at everyone in the room, including her attorney. She stomped out of Bell, Bell, and Bell's office and almost threw herself into her waiting limo, the door being held by the driver, and screamed something to the driver. Her attorney turned his arms and hands up, shrugged and also left.
"How long will probate be in this case?" Uncle Jake asked.
"I don't anticipate any contest on this. I can vouch for Mr. Moynahan's state of mind when he sat in front of me last week. It's open and shut."
"Um -- I hate to bring it up, but -- it seems like this may have been a suicide. Does that present any - " Uncle Jake started.
"I cannot speculate on whether it was a suicide or not. It has officially been called accidental death by the Monterrey County Coroner. But even if it had been determined to be a suicide -- even if Mr. Moynahan had told me his plan -- which he did not -- the fact remains that when he sat in my office last week, he was of sound mind and he told me that these boys -- erm -- young men -- had no knowledge of his worth, nor did they do anything proactive to provoke his change in his will. It would not change anything if it WAS a suicide."
"Is -- is there -- anything that we need to do to -- er -- um -- prepare -- for this -- um -- gift?" Asked Jim.
"You're free to do anything you want with it: give it to charity, spend it all at the race track -- whatever you desire. If you are asking my advice, I advise you to get an attorney and an accountant that you feel you can trust.
Perhaps Mr. Smith here [you ARE Jacob Smith the third of Santa Barbara, are you not?] (Uncle Jake nodded) can suggest someone. I recognized you when you walked in, Mr. Smith."
"I do indeed. My attorney is as honest as the day is long. I know that seems like an oxymoron, Will," Uncle Jake said to my dad, and he winked at Mr. Bell, "but as evidenced by Mr. Bell here, there ARE a few honest attorneys around. Everyone laughed.
"I have to tell you something that happened recently." Said Mr. Bell. "I was in a church conference recently when someone I don't know approached me.
He asked if I was an attorney. Why yes,' I replied, Why do you ask?' He said, `You just look like an attorney to me.' I have to tell you -- I've never been so insulted in my life!"
We all got a good laugh at that!
"C -- could YOU be my attorney?" Said Jim.
"I would be happy to, if that's what you want, Jim. But I advise you, if you know anyone that you trust -- that lives closer to you -- I would be happy to fill him in on all the details. I have handled Terrence's estate for many years.
Jim looked at me. I could tell he was at the breaking point. "I doubt you need to make that decision at this very moment, Jimmy," my dad said. (I was surprised to hear Dad call him that!) "Why don't you wait a few days. I'm sure it will take that long for the estate to clear all the legal stuff that the state and the federal governments put it through."
"It will definitely take at least a few days." Said Mr. Bell. "I have made it as clean as possible, but capital gains must be paid, and there are some fees, including my own that have to be calculated. Take your time."
We thanked Mr. Bell and all climbed in to my Uncle Jake's Cadillac Escalade.
Uncle Jake took us all to a lobster restaurant he liked for lunch and after that, we started home.
"My attorney is honest, as I said, and my son, Jake, is an excellent accountant. He now handles all my business."
"You mean my Cousin, Jake?" I said.
"The same. The same! He is kinda far, but with internet banking and really -- internet everything -- that's not much of an issue any more."
"What do you think you want to do with your new fortune, Jim?" Asked my dad.
"I just don't know what to think yet. Two days ago, I was worried about my job at McDonalds."
"Well, for example, do you want to continue your education? You wouldn't have to with that kind of wealth, but - "
"I always wanted to take art. It was never something that was practical, so I didn't. I may look for an art school."
"Well, you certainly can do that! Not many have that option, but now - - you do!" Said Dad. "And how about you, Jacky?" he added, (He seems to be caught up with this "boy" thing!) "You seem to suddenly be worth about 4 times my total worth. Do you still want to keep up your line of study?"
"I dunno." I said, feeling suddenly not only richer than my own dad, but very tired. I shook my head slowly left and right and yawned. No one said anything else, so I felt obligated to continue. "Right now, I see no reason to quit school, and I haven't given any thought to what else I'd want to do.
I probably might buy myself a new car!"
"Fair enough." Said Dad, laughing.
"I might want to buy you and mom new cars too." I smiled demurely.
"There goes your first $100,000! Better be careful!" said Dad.
When we got back to Uncle Jake's, I talked with my dad, and decided to have Uncle Jake contact his attorney for me. Jim didn't want to decide yet.
Uncle Jake's attorney conferred with Mr. Bell, and in a very few weeks, everything was in my name and my cousin Jake took care of giving the U.S. and California state governments as little as possible. I still ended up with a net worth over 2 million. My dad and Uncle Jake convinced me that this was not all that much, so I was careful how I spent it -- and Jake helped me with some investments.
The first thing I did was put the house up for sale. Uncle Jake referred me to an antique dealer who went through the house with me and identified anything of great value which should not be sold with the house and we removed that to storage for later sale.
Two weeks after the assets were transferred, Jim's family put their home on the market, sold it at a loss and bought a new one in Laguna Beach, for 5.5 million dollars. With his newfound wealth, he and George took a trip around the world. That was 3 months ago, and I haven't received as much as a post card -- from either of them.
I am feeling numb. I don't even WANT to spend any of my wealth. I found out that George really WAS up for sale to the highest bidder! On one hand I told myself I am lucky to find out now. On the other, I cry myself to sleep a lot. It makes me happy to see mom in her new silver Infinity, and even dad in his new pearl white Z.
So far, my red Corvette convertible has not brought me much joy, nor any peace. I threw myself into my studies -- more than ever. I actually became obsessive about them. Dad tried to pry me away from them over and over, but they were the only real constant in my life. Mom and Dad tried to take that role, but they could not possibly understand the loss I feel, nor the futility of my life - - could they? I offered to pay off their home for them, but they would not hear of it.
While studying for a final exam in mid-May, there was a knock at my door. "It's unlocked!" I said. Mom opened the door.
"There's someone here to see you." She stepped aside and my heart almost exploded when in walked none other than Seth and Luke.
Luke came to me and hugged me close, then Seth joined him, from behind me. Mom backed out and closed the door. I could feel both of their firm bodies and even the lumps in their crotches. But there was nothing erotic about it. Both of them had to be on their tip-toes, for my head easily fell onto Luke's shoulder and neck.
I was breathing in and out, very controlled. I was stiff and could not let myself meld into their bodies as I had done in the past.
"Jack -- Jack, let it go." said Seth. "You know what you need. You know you can trust us. Let it go, jack -- relax and just let it all hang out."
I forced myself to relax into them -- a little -- and immediately, a gasp escaped my mouth, and then a deep sob.
"It's okay, dude! It's way overdue. I know there's more in there. Let it out. We will love you no matter what."
I swallowed hard and let another sob and gasp go. Luke squeezed my head and whispered in my ear, You're so awesome, Haole! You're gonna be just fine!" He rubbed the back of my head. They squeezed me even closer between them. It felt too good. I relaxed a little more, and a squeak came out of me, that turned in to a howl. I tried to stop it, but they both said, "Keep it coming, Jack!"
"That's poison escaping from you, Jack." Said Seth. "Don't hold it inside you!" I heard the door open and then close.
"Jack, everyone loves you -- did you know that?" said Luke.
I croaked out, "Jim doesn't. George doesn't!"
"Everyone that counts does." Said Seth. "You brother Billy called me. Because he loves you. I stopped what I was doing -- and so did Luke -- because we love you. You're one of the brothers!"
I broke free of them and ran to the toilet just in time. I barfed out the most vile, black stuff I've ever seen. I was crying and sobbing all the while. When I was finished, Seth made me rinse out my mouth. It was disgusting and vile tasting.
"It really is poison, Jack." He said.
I staggered back to my bedroom. As I went across the hall, I heard my dad telling Mom, "Don't worry, Viv, He's a psychologist."
We went back into my room and closed the door again. "Have you ever barfed before -- when you were sad or frustrated?" Seth Asked.
"Ever?" I said, mirthlessly, "I ALWAYS do it this way!"
"That means you are holding it in too much, Jack. You need to learn to let it out. It's gonna kill you someday."
"I'm not too sure that would be a bad thing!" I said.
"STOP THAT!" Said Seth.
He said it so strong and so loud that it shocked me. I started to cry again, but more like a baby, then I bolted for the toilet again. More black stuff! "Luke, go get a glass from Mrs. Smith!" Seth ordered.
When Luke returned Seth ordered me to drink a full 12 ounces of water. I barfed again. Then he made me drink some more. This time the stuff came out a lighter, pukey green color. "Thaaaat's better!" Said Seth.
He made me do that until I kept some down and -- it started coming out nearly as clear as it went down.
"Do you feel able to go back to your room?" Said Seth.
"I think so!" I croaked. My throat was raw.
"Brush your teeth first."
The smell of the tooth paste made me sick, but I didn't barf again. He made me rinse my mouth out and then drink another glass of water.
By the time I got back to my bedroom, I was like a rag doll and very drowsy.
The guys got me laid down on my bed and Seth knelt beside me. "Get some sleep now -- if you can. We have to go out and eat."
That was the last thing I heard before, "Jack? Jack!" I opened my eyes. Seth's sweet face was before me. I smiled. "Feel a little better?" He said smiling back.
"Yeah -- and starved!" I said.
When we got to the kitchen, Mom and Dad were gone. "I convinced them to go out and do some after-Christmas-sale shopping!" Said Seth.
The days were much longer and it was lighter, so Seth asked me where we could go and not be heard. I told him about the river bed, and the noisy Firestone overpass. We went there. He brought a piece of rubber hose with him. "This is something I learnt from my big brother, Rob." Said Seth.
"Rob's your brother?" I asked.
"We're all brothers now -- you know that! But Rob never had a real brother, and he adopted me to be his little brother way back when I was a teenager."
"What? YOU were a teenager?" I said in my most appalled voice.
"Fuck you!" He laughed.
He then gave me the piece of rubber hose. It was quite frayed at the end. He told me to whip the end of one of the big concrete bridge piers. And as I did so I was to scream out against anyone -- or anything -- that had ever hurt me -- physically of emotionally. I felt intimidated until both Seth and Luke broke out hoses of their own. They started beating the bridge piers, and yelling at their moms., dads, brothers, sisters, anyone who had hurt them in any way.
I followed suit with first Billy, then Art, then both my parents. I screamed at them because they didn't see what was happening to me as I grew up and try to prevent it. That soon was past and I got to the subjects that hurt me the most. As I grew louder, I didn't notice that the other two had stopped yelling at their aggressors, and started egging me on.
I railed on both Jim and George. I even yelled at Ralph a little. Each one of them had left me. I don't know who I screamed at the most, George or Jim. What I know is that when I was finished, I felt clean.
Then we went back to my house and sat in the living room. Seth had me lie on the couch. (yes, psychologists really do that!) He told me a story. It sounded strangely familiar. It taught me I needed to forgive everyone that had hurt me by accident, and feel sorry for those who should have known better.
He told me how I was probably feeling extremely guilty because of my newfound wealth. I was amazed that he knew that and told him it was true. I felt ungrateful and petty that I wasn't happy with all the stuff I could buy now while others I know were still struggling to make ends meet. He told me I indeed should not feel proud, because I did nothing to deserve it, but that I should also not feel guilty because it did not bring me any more joy than it did.
But that's exactly how I felt!
Mom and Dad came home. Seth asked if they would mind me going to the Santa Barbara for a few days, so he could continue to work with me. He of course asked me first. I told him that finals were next week and maybe after that I could come.
"Okay, but I want you to call me every night -- and tell me how you are doing."
"Okay." I said. I truly felt like he was my master -- maybe my mentor. After he and Luke left, Mom and Dad told me that if I were paying for this kind of therapy, it would cost a minimum of $60/hr. They also reminded me that it was Billy that had called and told Seth what was going on.
Notes: Comments always welcome. Jacky has a clean slate! Wheeeeee! Please address any comments to Steve at stevethomas535@hotmail.com. Thanks and love, Steve