Author Lake Sinclair Copyright to this story remains strictly that of the author. No other publication or use of this story is allowed with 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.
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"Love thy neighbor" chapter 16
The next week went quietly. Troy had never noticed the noise next door while the girls lived with their parents but he had began to notice the ery silence with them missing. The occasional door close of a vehicle coming and going was all that he heard. One evening he was out near his fire pit and he heard Ansley in the house shouting about something. Knowing that the private detective was out there somewhere, Troy felt it was too dangerous for Preston to hang a note on the gate, so he wanted to see a paper hanging but knew there may be a possibililty of it falling into the wrong hands.
By the end of the first week Troy was getting anxious. He made a large pot of potato soup. During his walk he was stopped as usual by Robert to chat. "I have made a large pot of potato soup. When I get back I am going to make a hill of cornbread to go with it. I made a large pot so I would have enough to give you and your wife. If you would like some I will have it ready in about an hour and half." Troy said. "That will be great. Are you sure you have enough?" Robert said. "For me I usually cut about four potatoes. This pot has almost ten pounds of potatoes and a full gallon of milk." Troy said and smiled. "If you don't mind then I would love some. Don't put it in bowls though. I have four or five of the containers you have already sent food in. I will bring them back. You know in the south it is rude to return a container without something in it but I don't have anything prepared." Robert said. "To hell with that, I just need somebody to eat some of this soup." Troy said, and laughed.
Troy stood in his kitchen as he dumped the hill of fresh cornbread from the cast iron frying pan. He had a small pan that he had always made cornbread for himself. The exhaust fan was on drawing the smell of the fresh bread outside. "Maybe he is smelling the cornbread." Troy thought. The cornbread had cooled enough to put on a disposable plate when the doorbell rang. "Hey Robert, come on in." Troy said. As the new normal Troy followed Robert out to the patio. Robert watched as Troy stared at the fence. "You know everything is going to be alright don't you ?" Robert said. "What do you mean ?" Troy said. Robert just turned his head and nodded towards the fence. "It may or it may not Robert. I just have to put trust out to the universe and hope it listens." Troy said.
Robert had finished his cigarette and the two were in the kitchen. " I heard from my nephew. He said that private dick was non too happy about being arrested. He has been stopped three more times here in town since then. He even changed vehicles but the guys that work for the Sheriff are no fools. They spotted him right off." Robert said. " I don't understand the need for all of that but then again I live on this side of the fence." Troy said. Robert had the bowl he brought full plus another the same size. He had tried to reassure Troy that everything would be fine. Armed with the soup and cornbread, Troy stood in his doorway and watched Robert until he went through the screen door of his own porch across the street.
The next week was the dreaded week for Troy as far as his job was concerned. It was not only the end of the month but the end of the quarter. As far as his accounts were concerned they were always checked and rechecked but it was different story for the vendors he handles. Their accounting departments seemed to wait until the eleventh hour to balance their accounts and stress out needing copies of invoices, delivery slips and anything they could come up with and needed it right then. Luckily the way Troy had set his system up it was easy for him to retrieve all the paperwork and send it to them it was just a hassle. There was always the odd one or two that wanted even more backup evidence.
By Friday afternoon Troy was ready for a break. Stressing all week about what may be going on next door and all the audits had his nerves frazzled. Pulling out of his drive he took a deep breath as he started out past Preston's house. A small grocery list in hand he headed to do his shopping. The majority of the list were cleaning supplies. Troy did two things when he was really stressed. He cooked and he cleaned. Not having much of an appetite lately he had turned to cleaning. He had his plan of action and needed to stock up on supplies. The night before he had not been able to sleep well and at four in the morning he was in the guest bedroom with everything out of the closet and was washing the walls inside the closet.
Troy had a little better mental attitude when he was able to find everything he wanted. As he turned on the street his heart began to race. Parked in front of Preston's house was a large U-Haul truck. Ansley's vehicle was there but no sign of Preston's truck. It took three tried to finally be able to swallow as he passed the house and turned into his driveway. Troy got out of his SUV and headed for the door. Leaving his groceries in the car he headed straight through the house and out the back door. " No note." Troy said to an empty yard. It was about forty five minutes later that he finally returned to his SUV to retrieve his shopping bags. The only thing put away were the refrigerated items. Troy left the rest of his haul bagged on the dining room table and went and crawled in the bed and pulled the covers up. The pillow case that he had been sleeping with was beginning to fade. He got out of bed and pulled a gallon zip lock bag and pulled out a fresh one from his stash. When Troy woke it was three in the morning.
Troy got up and headed for the kitchen. HIs stomach was grumbling and his tongue felt like it was stuck to the roof of his mouth. Troy fixed a small bowl of cereal. After the third spoon full he did not feel like he could take another bite. His stomach had calmed and his mouth was no longer a cotton mill. Still dressed from the grocery store he stepped out the front door and sat in the swing on his front porch and just looked at teh U-Haul next door. After about an hour the chill of the fall evening air brought him back to reality and he headed back inside.
By nine in the morning Troy had washed the walls, ceiling and scrubbed the floors in the guest bedroom. He even pulled out a portable shampooer and cleaned the mattress on the bed that had only ben slept in about ten times since it was bought brand new. Troy fixed a glass of lemonade and walked out onto the patio. He could hear voices and banging next door. At one point he thought he heard Preston's voice but could not be certain. What was certain from all the noises was that the family next door were moving. Troy left his glass on the table and walked back inside and went straight to his bed.
Troy was wakened when his doorbell rang about about six that evening. His mind had been racing about what was going on next door that he had not even stripped or changed from the day before. "Hey neighbor. I brought you some supper. I hope you don't have a kitchen full of food.. " Robert said. "I have not even thought about food. Come on in." Troy said. "The wife loved the soup so much she wants your recipe. I brought you some meatloaf, mashed potatoes, English peas, squash and a dinner roll." Robert said as he headed to the kitchen with the plate. Robert stopped and turned to see Troy look out the door towards Preston's. The U-Haul was gone. Robert watched as he dropped his head and stepped back in closing the door but still facing away.
Robert had placed the plate on the stove when he met Troy in the dining room. "Come on buddy, let's smoke." Robert said. "Sometimes I wish I did." Troy said. "No you don't." Robert said as they stepped out onto the patio. "I guess you already know what is going on next door." Robert said. Troy watched Robert take the first puff of his cigarette. Troy watched his face and saw the sense of relief and pleasure Robert got from it. "I wish I had something that gave me that type feeling." Troy thought. "I guess you know what is going on next door." Robert said. "I have no idea. It looks like they just up and moved." Troy said looking towards the fence. "Oh, I thought you may have known." Robert said. "First idea I had anything was going on was when I saw the U-Haul out front." Troy said. All Robert could say at the moment was "Oh."
"Hard to believe but I guess it would happen one day. They have lived there for almost fourteen years. The family that owned the house decided to sell. I guess they had to be out by the first. Preston did not tell you ?" Robert said. "No he didn't mention it but then again we have not spoken in a couple of weeks. " Troy said. "Listen Troy. I know that man loves you. I don't know what is going on but I am sure he will get it all worked out." Robert said. " I will be fine regardless Robert. I am a grown man and not some hormone directed teenager." Troy said. "I know you are but grown ups still hurt too." Robert said. "I guess they do but I have known enough in my life so this too I will overcome." Troy said. "Don't count him out yet." Robert said. "Do you know where they moved ?" Troy asked. "I know her family lives about an hour west of here and I overheard her make the comment that she was finally getting closer to family, so I have no idea." Robert said. "An hour east." Troy thought and his heart sank even further.
"What about his business ?" Troy asked. "Not really sure. I heard that hag say he was going to be starting one in the new town." Robert said. "Makes sense. Hard to drive an hour to and from daily to do manual labor." Troy said. "I am sure he will contact you." Robert said. "I don't have his cell number and as far as i know he does not have mine." Troy said. "I think i have it somewhere. I can get it for you." Robert said. "NO, I don't want it and don't you dare contact him on my behalf. We have been great neighbors but I can turn into the neighbor from hell. Do you understand ? And another thing you have no need of watching that limb over the gate. I don't care if a house full of male models move in that gate will never open again. By the end of the day it will have a padlock on this side." Troy said. "Do not give up yet Troy." Robert said. "He moved. That was not a last minute decision. He told me he loved me and without a word he moved away. I think that says it all." Troy said.
Robert stayed for another hour and three more cigarettes. As hard as he tried he could not get Troy to lighten up. Troy was not really saying anything verbally but his blank facial expression and body language told a totally different story. Robert tried to talk about gossip in the neighborhood and also gossip in town. "Buddy you need to lighten up. I am sure you will hear from Preston." Robert said. "I guess I need to start watching leather porn. If I ever decide to step out again I may need you to properly introduce me to your nephew." Troy said. "Oh hell no. Ain't no way no man or woman is coming near me with chaps on and a leather whip and handcuffs." Robert said. "Who knows, you and your wife may enjoy it. Besides I think you are mixing BDSM with leather. I guess there are cross overs but they say it's a matter of trust." Troy said. "My wife come out with a whip and you think they showed up fast for the private dick. I would have the whole state swarming my house." Robert said. "Well they say it's a matter of trust but you will not have to worry about me. I think I just used up my lifetime supply of it." Troy said.
The next week was even worse. Troy had to stop and think a few times as to when the last time he even took a shower. Coffee flowed freely almost around the clock. Troy had washed and carried the plate back to Robert. He thanked Robert and his wife for the delicious meal when in fact it was still wrapped on another plate in his refrigerator. Troy had started waking again every afternoon. He did not have the energy to jog but he welcomed the added fatigue every afternoon when he got home because it gave him something else to think about.
Troy had a fresh cup of coffee and walked towards the living room when the doorbell rang. "I guess Robert needs to smoke." Troy thought. As he opened the door he was caught off guard. Office Dawson stood in the doorway. He was a very handsome man and solid. Where Preston was large and muscular you could easily see his six pack. Officer Dawson was a solid man but a big one too. He was muscular but you could tell through his shirt that there was no visible six pack but Troy figured a bullet would probably bounce off of him.
"Come on in Officer. How can I help you ?" Troy asked. "The guy we arrested out here a few weeks back has a hot shot lawyer trying to suit the county. I have been going door to door and getting anyone that is interested to sign a form stating that they were glad the Police were called and want a strong prosecution against the man." Officer Dawson said. "Well I guess you know by now why he was here. Wouldn't it be strange for me to sign it since I was part of it ?" Troy asked. " We talked to the county attorney and he said that with almost all the neighbors signing that it would look even more obvious if you did not but I am not trying to convince you too." he said. "No problem as long as it will not cause issues I will be glad to sign." Troy said taking the pen.
"Do you have any idea what is going on ? Do you know where they moved too." Troy asked. "I am sure the county attorney knows but I have not heard anyone say anything. Sorry." he said. "No need to be sorry for anything. I am truly grateful for all that you did. I really appreciate it." Troy said. "The attorney said that he was going to subpoena you to the man's case." Officer Dawson said. "Fuck." Troy said. "Don't worry. He is issuing the subpoena so that the man's lawyer can't. If he subpoenas you then it is up to him if you get called to testify. He said he would not need you but if he did not then that guys attorney could and you may be placed on the stand. This way you will not have to worry about it. The county attorney and district attorney can subpoena but they are not obligated to call you to the stand and the district attorney promised he would not." Officer Dawson said.
Preston sat at the kitchen table with a piece of paper in his hand. "What the hell is wrong with you ?" Ansley asked as she came in a put her purse down. "Seven thousand dollars for a private detective. What in the hell do you need a private detective for ?" Preston said. "I waisted that damn money to catch you and that queer next door together." Ansley said. "Queer next door ? We don't have a guy living next door." Preston said. "No dumb ass the one that use to live next door." Ansley said. "You are fucking kidding me. What in the hell are you up to ?" Preston said. "I wanted proof you two were seeing each other so I could file for divorce and get you for being unfaithful.." Ansley said.
"You sorry bitch. I hope he proved you wasted your money and I will be DAMNED if I am paying this. This is on you, you crazy bitch." Preston said. "You are paying that bill." Ansley said. "The hell I will. I tell you what. You go to this private detective and get him to draw up your divorce papers and I will sign them. You have all your money from working all these years and I have paid a full years rent on this place. You can have it adn all that is in it just get me the fuck away from you." Preston said.
"Oh you think it will be all that simple. You are going to pay me for mental anguish, you are paying alimony and I am taking every fucking thing you have." Ansley said. "Good luck. You already got everything and as far as my new little business you can fucking have it. I gave up a great business to move your trifling ass back closer to your family that you have fussed for years I took you away from. Hell it didn't take two weeks and they aren't speaking to you either. You get the papers drawn up and I will even pay the lawyer but all you are getting is this house for eleven more months and the money you have. Moving your ass here and paying that year took all I had and it will be a cold day in hell before I pay you mental anguish and alimony." Preston said. "We will see." Ansley said. "I guess we will." Preston said getting up from the table and walking away. Luckily Ansley could not see the smile on his face as he walked away.
The next two weeks dragged by. Troy had almost made it a daily routine to go to teh backyard and pull the padlock on the gate to make sure it was secure. The construction noises from next door made him feel even gloomier. Whoever bought the house was completely remodeling it. They had even removed the vinyl siding and painted house a different color on the outside and put shutters on the windows. Troy had to say that even though he wished he lived somewhere else the house was really turning out cute. The years of just basic maintenance had long since faded.
Preston moaned as he tried to stand from the computer. He looked at the clock and realized it was after six in the evening and he had not logged off from work. He looked again and noticed that his last entry was just before four. He had sat in front of the computer for over two hours and did not have a single thought in his mind. His second attempt got him to his feet. "Hey Tro....... . Troy what the hell buddy ?" Robert said. Standing in the doorway was the ghost of the neighbor he use to know. Troy's jeans barely hung to his hips and the t-shirt just hung on his body. Robert thought to himself that Troy had to have lost a good thirty pounds. "Hey Robert." Troy said shuffling his feet back to allow Robert entry. "I am going to call an ambulance." Robert said. "Do it and die old man. I am fine." Troy said. "No you are not." Robert said. "Robert my head hurts to bad to argue. Come in or not." Troy said. "I brought you some supper. The wife made a homemade chicken pot pie and I have a bowl of salad." Robert said slowly eyeing Troy from head to toe. "Tell her I said thank you." Troy said.
Robert walked through to put the casserole on the stove and the salad in teh refrigerator. His mouth fell open when he pulled a plate out to look at it. The meatloaf meal he had brought almost a month ago was still on the plate and mostly covered in mold. "He is killing himself." Robert whispered. Troy had made it to the dining room by the time Robert came back. "Troy, buddy I need to call an ambulance." Robert said. "Leave it alone Robert. I am fine. I have just been a little under the weather the last couple of days." Troy said. Robert looked around and the house was not dirty but it was a long way from showroom perfect like Troy always kept it. Robert watched as Troy labored to walk to the patio. "Troy we need to get you some help." Robert said. "DO NOT even think about it. I am a grown man and I can take care of myself." Troy said. "Calm down Troy. You are grown I am just worried about you." Robert said. "I am fine. What is the new neighborhood gossip ?" Troy asked. Robert watched as Troy pretended to listen to him talk. Troy's expression never changed and his eyes never left the fence.
It had been three days since Robert had stopped by. The casserole still sat on the stove. Troy had not had the energy to put it away. He sat at the table with his checkbook and a stack of bills. He had began to write a check for his power bill and had stopped. The pen was still on the check but his mind was blank. He looked out the French doors that went onto the patio but he did not see anything. The first time the doorbell rang it did not register. The second came with a loud banging on the door. "Damn you Robert. Just leave me the fuck alone please." Troy thought. The pounding got louder so he knew he had to put a stop to this once and for all. He tried to shout "coming" to stop the pounding but it only came out as a whisper. Troy reached the door. The door seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. Troy went to pull the door open and before he could get it far enough to fuss at Robert everything went black.