Mystery and Mayhem At St Mark's
A Sequel
by
Joel
Seq. 4:
Some of the Characters Appearing or Mentioned: Mark Henry Foster The story-teller: Pennefather Organ Scholar Tristan (Tris) Price-Williams His well-proportioned boyfriend. At College of Law. Francis Michael Foster Alias Toad/Gobbo Mark's younger brother Jack Goodman Frankie's bosom pal James Bowes-Chesterton Frankie's pal Bozo Patrick Montgomery Frankie's pal Moggo Anthony Pugsley Shelley's ardent boyfriend [Puggo/Pugsy] Gregory Parks Bozo's friend [Harpo] Liam Moore A Lodge Boy, Porter-to-be Sean O'Malley Servery Lad and Lodge Boy Curt Stein Servery Lad and cute with it Logan Henderson An engineering student, his problem solved Raphael Pack An Aussie blond bombshell Gabriel Pack Raphael's elder brother: At St Mark's Sergeant Carl Bachman (Carlo/Batman) A policeman who likes leather
Christmas 2003
Tuesday 23rd December
"Ouch!" I was awake immediately. Some spiteful turd had slapped my bare backside!
"Come on, Sweetiepie, it's quarter to eight." I rolled wearily over in bed as the duvet had been hauled off me. Luckily the room was warm, but I was not a happy bunny. I looked up and was confronted by the usual grinning Tris. At least he hadn't called me Lardyarse which I'd heard the previous time I'd been so rudely awakened. He was all bright and cheerful and in the nude. I was still more than dozy and the nudity had no effect. "Come on, I'm just going to have a shower and get dressed then you can stir your stumps. Remember, I promised the lads breakfast at half-past eight."
Half past fucking eight!! I wanted more sleep. My eyelids drooped. A hand grasped my limp dick. I must be tired. Limp dick in the morning? The hand was possessed by an expert manipulator. I was just waking up a bit more, but relaxing... The hand was withdrawn. My eyes opened.
"Thought that would wake you up," he snickered, "But there's no time to get roused. In fact, from the condition of that thing this morning you'd be lucky to have a hard-on by midday." He bent down and kissed my forehead. "See you soon!"
I didn't even have time to grab at his dick. Truth to say, his was also limp. I smiled to myself. Last night... We had feasted then danced the night away, marvellous!; meeting and talking to friends, good friends; and the lads, a crew of bright, happy, hunky young men, wow!... Any of whom would be welcome.... I mused on the two pairs. The lively tyke and the lovely Logan and the other pair still abed, I surmised, in the room above, besotted Bozo and heavenly Harpo. Two pairs whose relationships would no doubt have been consummated in some way over the past few hours. But then, this pair, I thought for a moment of myself in the third person. I contemplated our love, our friendship, our companionship, Tristan and Mark. Our own decisions had been made and last night once more we had shown how true and constant those resolutions had been. I hoped the others would never regret any commitments made, or acts shared during this fateful night.
Tris had disappeared to the bathroom while I lay and thought. Then I thought I had better shift myself. Actually, given that I had danced, however clumsily and however badly, for the best part of three hours, drunk a little more than I usually did and then participated as a most willing partner in quiet but intensive sex once in bed, before falling into contented sleep something like just about six hours ago, I didn't feel too bad. As I stretched and flexed my muscles I felt pretty good. Getting out of bed had revived me. Then reality began to rear it's ugly head. I had a busy day ahead. I had scheduled myself to practise this morning then have a bash at a problem or two the Prof had set for 'holiday contemplation'. The lads had invited us to lunch. By common consent it was to be at the palace of the Golden Arches. I knew that parental sanctions meant that even eighteen-year-olds were not encouraged to partake of so-called junk food. But... Then I had the half past two appointment with Lewis for some intensive analysis of my playing the set pieces and the sight tests. I supposed I might get back by half past four or even later and I needed to look at some more maths as I had happened on a rather nice question from last year's Part II which could be the basis....
I sauntered to the bathroom just as Tris came out, a happy smile on his face. His day was to be busy as well, contentedly busy. I was getting the impression that Jacob was giving Tris quite a bit of responsibility in setting up the legal side of the British enterprise. He had emphasised the 'British' when chatting last night and had said he would have to get to grips with Scots Law of Contract as well. Tris was, to use a cliched phrase, 'having a ball'. Ouch! I was too intent on studying his face so was startled when he had another ball, actually two balls, in his hands. Mine! It wasn't a hurt 'Ouch' as it was gentle and the touch drew me to him. We kissed gently. We smiled and my heart was lifted even more.
"Right Stinkypoo, it's your turn in there now!"
My precious bollocks and my pride were both under attack. Not much, just a gentle squeeze, but the epithet!
"Mainly your fault!" I riposted, "For an oldster you still squirt like a randy teenager!"
"I don't think age comes into it, dear boy," he said, in tones so reminiscent of his lawyer father putting on his legal voice, "Though a full year younger you don't do so badly yourself but you did refrain from any mopping-up..."
I leaned forward and plonked a big kiss on his open mouth. My balls were squeezed just a bit more, but still gently. If he had promised the lads breakfast at half past eight we'd better not go any further as randy Tris was just about to get drawn into a morning bout of frenzy by a now really randy-feeling Mark. Luckily for breakfast plans he let go. I didn't breathe a sigh of relief but just let out an exhalation knowing that later our joint wantonness would be satisfied.
"Better keep it for tonight," I whispered as we parted.
"You're perpetually horny," he said, grimacing.
"Comes of my youthfulness," I said, "And don't complain though I admit there's life in the old boy still! Witness last night!"
"Huhn!" was his only comment a I sidled past him into the bathroom to wash away the accumulated remains of last night's joint endeavours.
Feeling even more refreshed I dressed and went through to the main room. Tris was setting out the table. He was chuntering. "Liam said he would be along to help. I thought he might be here by now. Probably have a sleep-in after last night."
"Leave the poor boy alone," I said, "I guess he was tired out after what we saw last night!"
We both laughed. Both probably thinking of that seemingly prim young man dancing, not quite like a Dervish, but very fervently with a look of such concentration and enjoyment. A new Liam. Probably not, as still waters run deep as Mum was fond of saying.
"And those across the way and upstairs? Do you think they've surfaced yet?" I asked.
"You'd better go over and see if they're awake yet, then. Tell them food will be on the table by half past. Cereals, a fry-up and toast."
I hoped the supplies in the fridge would be sufficient.
"Well, I don't think we ought to disturb Bozo and Harpo," Tris continued, "They'll emerge when ready, but the others were planning various visits for this morning. I know Moggo wants to go to the Scott Polar place and Frankie said he'd like to see it as well."
"Yes," I said, "I think they'll all end up there and at the Fitzwilliam because Jack was keen to go there, but the Bursar is showing them my coin at half past nine so they'll have to get a shift on."
I went out and across the passageway. I knew the front door was unlocked so went through quietly to the inner door which was ajar. The main room was lit up so someone was awake. Then I could hear noises off - coming from the bathroom I thought. I pushed the door open and went in. There was Pugsy, his back to me, intently studying a rather nice water colour on the wall by the fireplace. He was in the nude again and was idly scratching his bollocks which was quite evident when he turned hearing me enter.
"Hello, Mark," he said, "We're all up. But never sleep with Moggo," He grinned. "As if you would! He snores." I'd noticed two rolled up sleeping bags, one at each end of the room as I came in. "Anyway, I let those three use the bathroom first. All OK?"
I gave him Tris's message and he smiled.
"We'll all be there." He waved his left hand in a gesture indicating the room as his right was still engaged. "Some nice things in here. You lot are so lucky."
"Well we are rather privileged, the Pennefather Organ Scholar and the Servant of the Chapel. Still you'll be OK next year, although I hear you're probably bunking in with little Frankie."
"Little! He's beginning to make me look like a midget. I'm only five nine but he's at least six foot."
"But you've got the muscles." Yep. What was on display last night when he had his shirt off and the two views I'd had of the complete Pugsy confirmed he was a tough-looking cookie. The hand was still scratching. I'll try a funny. "Hey, do you know why women rub their eyes when they wake up in the morning?"
He looked at me quizzically, then shook his head. "Nope!"
"Because they don't have balls to scratch."
He looked a bit startled. Then realised. Grinned, and raised his now free right hand in a definite two-fingered salute. "Nasty boyish habit!" he said and laughed.
We were then distracted by a screech from the bathroom and out rushed Moggo clutching his bum. Wow! He was also in the nude and whatever was bulging out his jeans the night before was definitely not two pairs of football socks. Moggo was also well-hung. A shortish fat prick but a large ballsack up close to the base. He was pursued by an equally nude Jack who was wielding a hand towel and caught Moggo another stinger as Moggo came to a halt having seen me and Pugsy standing staring. My view of the fourth member of the party was equally interesting. Below Jack's slim circumcised prong dangled a low-slung pair of balls in a very loose sack. He was not happy. "You great ape, you nearly made me drop my contact lens!" He hadn't spotted us so Moggo got another swipe. I hadn't realised Jack now wore contact lenses. But, of course, up to a couple of years ago he had regulation specs which always gave him an owlish look. He did spot us then. "Sorry about the noise but your brother and this oaf are not good company in the bathroom."
Nothing more could be said as a bellow came from the bathroom. "Antony, get your ugly hairy body in he-er-ee. The bathroom's fr-ee-ee!" The last on a searing rising note. Frankie was in full throttle.
Pugsy shook his head resignedly and then we were joined by the fourth nude member of the quartet who pranced into the room squirting Lynx deodorant under each arm. Moggo yelled at him, "Hey that's mine!" with the even louder rejoinder from Frankie, "Cheapo! Cheapo!" As Frankie had about six cans of various aromas of the same brand at home he needed taking in hand. Moggo did just that. Frankie was stopped dead in his tracks as Moggo reached down with one hand and gripped the Toad's goolies and reached up with the other hand and easily caught his can as it was dropped through surprise.
The shouting intensified as Frankie complained loudly against the violation of his privates. We all stood and laughed. A satisfied Moggo let go and order was somewhat restored. Frankie gave us all a rather hurt look. "I was manhandled," he tried to protest.
"Huhn," said Moggo, "Who'd want to handle those willingly. There's nothing there to get hold of."
As Toad's bollocks swung as low as Jack's this was a mis-statement but I wasn't going to contradict Moggo and neither were any of the others. Pugsy strode up to Frankie and caught his arm. "I think we'd better examine him sometime to see if they've actually dropped - no time now, breakfast's in ten minutes!"
Toad's plea of 'Marky!" went unheeded. I wasn't going to get involved. The others scattered. Pugsy to the bathroom, Jack to the bedroom and Moggo to his bag by his sleeping bag. I pointed at Frankie. "You heard Pugsy. Breakfast in ten minutes." The sneer was switched on, then off and a smile appeared. Food!
I went back and reported to Tris. He laughed when I gave him a run-down of the various attributes. He'd wondered about Moggo, but I confirmed the boy was all-boy plus. "No wonder he could satisfy that au pair even then," he said. I did stand up for my brother. "So did Frankie, no doubt about that!"
I was just stacking up sliced bread ready for the toaster when there was a quick rap on the door and we heard scurrying feet across the main room. A rather breathless Liam rushed into the kitchen. "Sorry I'm late but I've been helping Sean dole out breakfast in Hall. Not many in so it hasn't been too bad and Sean can cope with the rest. Cheffie was in a bit of a mood because Curt didn't turn up but we told him he wasn't well."
"But you weren't supposed to be on duty this morning," Tris said, looking at the lad neat in black slacks, white shirt and black waistcoat. Then the penny dropped. "Curt and Logan?"
Liam tossed his head. "Let 'em hae a lie-in!" He did a good imitation of Logan's Edinburgh accent.
"Our lot are up," I said, "Except for our happy pair. At least I hope they're a happy pair."
"I don't think we'll disturb them, as long as they're up ready for the four o'clock bus," Tris laughed. "Anyway, Liam, now you're here would you put the cereals out on the table, please. I think two pints of milk should be enough. And there's sugar in that bowl."
As Liam went out carrying a tray laden with bits he turned to me and said sotto voce, "Proper little housewife, ain't he?"
"I heard that, lad! Your wages will be withheld and you'll be out on your ear without a reference!" Tris's imitation of a typical Upstairs Downstairs piece of dialogue was not too good.
"Let him be," I said. I followed Liam out carrying various bits of cutlery. "You really enjoyed last night, didn't you?"
He grinned. "I think we all did. I was a bit apprehensive at first but seeing Curt and Logan so happy, and everyone made us so welcome I just relaxed."
"And enjoyed the dancing. You were pretty good."
"Don't tell the others but that's how I know Felix. He did ballet at a school in London but wasn't quite good enough to carry on. He helps to run dance classes here now and when I was about fourteen I thought I'd have a go. Had to keep it quiet, though. The kids at school would have had a ball if they'd known. You know... Names."
I laughed. "So outside there's the very controlled Liam, but inside there's a seething mass of dance rhythms, eh?"
He grinned. "You could say that. Sean knows and I've taught him so that's why he's good. Actually, he's better than me. I suppose it's the coordination he's got from boxing training."
A voice came from the kitchen. "When you two old gossips have finished I could do with a bit of help!" I hoped my sneer was a sufficient copy of the Toad's trademark.
Tris wasn't exactly looking harassed but he was trying to deal with a frypan of eggs and a baking tin of sausages, another of bacon and a saucepan of baked beans as well as slicing tomatoes to fry as well. Liam knew exactly what to do and I left them to it and went through to welcome our guests as soon as they arrived.
Toad led the way, the mouth already in action. "I hope the plates have been warmed."
Moggo behind him poked him in the back. "Shut it!"
Jack the practical came up to me. "I've had a tidy around but we'll finish it later. Anything I can do to help?"
Pugsy bringing up the rear overheard this. "I've turned the gas-fire off and switched off the lights over there. I'll go through and carry things in, now."
"Thanks," I said, "Liam'll be checking everything's OK later and he's here now so you'd better sit."
I indicated they should take their places and start on the cereals. As if on cue Liam came through with a coffeepot and teapot and the young gentlemen were served. I hoped they didn't think this was general modern University life as I doubted if Halls of Residence, or students' flats, had facilities like this at University College, or Bristol, or even Brighton where the absent Bozo was destined. And Frankie, Pugsy, Steady Eddie and Zack in the comfort of these sets would have to experience queuing up at the Servery in Hall, or preparing their own breakfasts with the quite adequate facilities available. Still, let their fantasies of college life thrive.
Liam was perfection. As soon as the rattle of spoons on empty cereal bowls was heard he was there clearing them away. Almost immediately he reappeared with the warmed plates and Tris in an apron came through with serving dishes of eggs and bacon. I got a toss of the head indicating I shouldn't consider myself the spare prick at the wedding but do something to help. In the kitchen I was handed oven gloves and had to take in the sausages and baked beans while a pile of toast and the cooked tomatoes were gathered up by Liam. As he'd already said he'd snatched a hurried breakfast in Hall Tris and I joined the lads at the two vacant seats.
Pugsy looked up from a laden plate, "This is even better than Mum makes it!" There was a general murmur of approval as we steadily chomped our way through the most satisfying meal invented by man, a full English breakfast.
After that, and my third cup of coffee, poured by an ever attentive Liam, I felt as if I could face the day. I wondered about the two missing lads. I assumed sleeping the sleep of the just, or the just after. Then Frankie rose to the occasion. He held up his cup. "Let's drink a toast of thanks to Tris, to Marky, to Liam and all the others who have made our visit a great success!" Cups were raised and a chorus of "Ayes", "Yeses" and a "So say all of us!" from Pugsy filled the air. My heart warmed to my young brother. Then. "Of course, next year there won't be any of this. Pugsy and I will be much too busy studying to be able to live the sybaritic life my brother and Tris have indulged themselves in...."
A hand went up and was clamped over the open gob. Pugsy had acted. "If I'm able to be here, my friends will be entertained, whenever!" Toad wasn't squashed. As the hand was removed he leaned over and put his arms round Pugsy. "You're so right, mate!"
Time was moving on fast. Liam said he would clear up so we could go across to the Bursar's Office. I think I was just as excited as the lads. At least I would be holding my coin, even with cotton gloves on.
As it happened the Bursar must have made a miraculous recovery from the previous day's 'illness'. I must say I always found him to be quite jovial and friendly, if a bit stiff in a military sort of way befitting a man of his rank. Mrs C-M, all a-twitter, ushered us through to his elegantly panelled office. He was standing by the closed door of the large safe.
"No armaments allowed!" he said, "Have they been frisked, Mr Price-Williams?"
There were odd looks passed between the lads.
Tris played up to the charade. "Yes, Bursar, all clear!"
The Brigadier was in a playful mood. "All turn your backs so you don't memorise the code."
Moggo, ever obedient, was the only one to do so as the Bursar produced a large key, expertly twiddled a dial, inserted the key, turned it and the heavy door swung open.
He paused to put on cotton gloves and then took out the wooden box which had contained the book and the coin and placed it carefully on his desk. He then produced four more pairs of cotton gloves, giving me the first pair.
"Mr Foster, will you open the box? Just to say the book went back to the museum on Saturday so there's only the coin and the parchment in the box."
As on that fateful first occasion, and on the occasions since, I had a real feeling of reverence and of honour as I lifted that heavy, carved lid. I took out first the folded piece of parchment and read to them what it said. I explained it had been written about four hundred and seventy years ago and they each could read it in turn. I put it on the little cushion the Brigadier had also placed on the desk. I then reached into the box and drew out the gold coin. Still bright from the time it had been minted in Edward the Third's time. The lads had seen the replica and the enlarged colour photographs of it. But this was the real thing. True, there was a gasp. There seemed to be something almost magical about this so rare, so precious object. I said it must have been the most valuable item, other than the venerated holy relics, in the monastery, but the monks had decreed who should have it, hoping the hidden things would survive and either be returned, or kept safe in the College.
Each in turn donned the gloves, read the parchment and held the coin.
"Is it true," asked Jack, "that this is the rarest coin?"
The Bursar explained that as far as English gold coins were concerned the Edward Double Leopard was so. As far as knew only three were still in existence. I think they were impressed.
The coin and parchment were carefully put back in the box and we watched as the box was put in the safe and it was locked. I thanked the Bursar for his time and he said it was a great privilege for him to handle and look after such a thing. He explained to the boys it was going back to the vaults of the Fitzwilliam but my permission had been given to produce replicas to be sold with part of the profits coming back to the College.
We made our way back to my set. Tris said he had to go as Jacob was expecting him around ten. He would be waiting in Rose Crescent at half past twelve as scheduled for lunch. The lads were soon ready for their further exploration of the city and there was still no sign of the pair upstairs. No comments were made. Liam had finished clearing and had gone off to other duties so I locked my door and went to the Chapel to practise some more.
I was reasonably pleased with my playing. I was glad that Mr Prentice would be coming with me to the examinations as page-turner and to help with registration. I noted two awkward page turns and memorised the next four bars of each just in case. He'd also advise me about a registration I thought would be appropriate in the modern piece I'd chosen from the list. I finished by playing the Alain Fantaisie. It wasn't an exam piece but I knew it so well and playing it would calm any misgivings about my performance of the other pieces. Anyway, I sighed as I looked at my watch - half past eleven - later than I thought and switched off the blower and made my way down the stairs. I intended going back to tackle the end of that problem on Markov Chains which I had started yesterday. That shouldn't take long but there was a problem on last year's Logic paper which was also intriguing. I thought I'd spotted the way through that little maze. Would I have time for both before setting off to meet the others for lunch? And what about Bozo and Harpo? Should I go and disturb them?
No disturbance was necessary. Sitting silently, side by side in one of the pews were the four lads. Silent but smiling. Bozo stood up as I approached.
"We met up outside and heard you playing. That last piece, wonderful!"
"Thanks," I said, "That is a great favourite of mine."
Harpo, I saw, was still holding his hand. I looked at the other pair. Logan and Curt. Their hands were also linked.
"Need I ask?" I said.
It was as if I'd turned on a tap - no, a fire hydrant - all four started talking at once, words gushing out, words describing how happy they were, word describing their feelings for each other. Just as sudden as the verbal rush they all stopped. We all began to laugh. I bent down over Curt and kissed his forehead. He tilted up his face and I kissed his lips. I went along the row to each of the others in turn and kissed them all. As I leaned back from Bozo he flung his arms around me. "He's mine and I'm his!" Harpo's face reddened. Not a blush of shame but a blush of pleasure. "Too true!" he said.
Logan and Curt were nodding at all this.. Bozo let go of me and Curt scurried round from where he was sitting. "Mark Foster, you've got a lot to feel responsible for!" He leaned up and hugged me as well. "If you hadn't spoken to Logan yesterday and if you hadn't let James and Gregory come to stay there wouldn't be four very happy boys telling you how they feel!"
I smiled. "You two perhaps, but my brother arranged the rest." The other pair laughed.
I asked if they'd had breakfast. Curt said Logan had found some stale cornflakes in a cupboard which they'd had with condensed milk.
"You young ruffian!" said Logan vehemently, "I'll skelp your wee arse for telling lies. I made you a braw bowl o'good Scots porage just like your Mam makes!"
Curt grinned and put two hands up in defence.
"Is that the first tiff of a happy relationship?" I asked.
Tykes and Toads are very similar I judged. "I just need to keep him on the boil," said Curt who turned and hugged his lover.
Lover? I wondered how far the two pairs had gone in their love-making. Whatever had occurred it had not been off-putting. I knew Bozo wasn't a virgin. Curt I didn't think was, either. His general demeanour, especially at the Club, betrayed a certain knowingness and I knew he'd gone home with at least two of the other younger lads at times. I hoped he'd always taken care and that whatever he and Logan had indulged in was safe. Should Uncle Mark have an avuncular word? Definitely!
Curt then said he'd better go off to make peace with Cheffie. I said Liam had made excuses for him and had taken his place. I thought he was going to cry. "I don't know what I'd do without Liam, or Sean," he said so very sincerely, "They've been like brothers to me since I came down here." He sniffed. "And now I've got Logan. I've known him for years. Not to speak to. We were at the same school but he was one of the big boys and they always scared us young ones. We had to watch the rugger matches but I only watched Logan and when I found he was here my heart nearly stopped...." Logan just turned and took him in his arms.
"You're mine, now, and our two hearts'll beat together," Logan said as he kissed his lover on his cheek. "My Curt!"
As they separated Curt said he'd better go and see Cheffie as he was supposed to be on duty for lunch. He went off leaving the three who followed me towards my set. Neither Bozo nor Harpo said they were hungry - I just wondered what the pair of them had been feeding on! - and said they wanted to go in to town do a bit more shopping before meeting up for lunch. I said to Logan he'd better come in for a cup of coffee and Bozo said he was invited to lunch as well. Poor Curt - facing Cheffie and missing out on burger and fries!!
When Logan was sitting by me in my living room sipping his coffee I couldn't resist asking questions. He had a faint smile of contentment on his face anyway and I knew a carefully phrased question would elicit something.
"You and Curt seemed very happy sitting there in the Chapel..." I began.
The smile was blissful now. ".....I canna tell you how happy," he said. He shook his head. "As soon as we got inside ma room last night we just held each other. I picked him up and we went tae bed." His eyes had a far away look as he paused deep in remembrance. "It was sae wonderful holding his warm body so close... I canna tell you the feelings I had..." He put out a hand and held my wrist. "I heard him say he loved me... That was enough...." He had a strong grip. "My Curt and I'm his..."
I thought I'd better break the spell. The lad was besotted and I just hoped he wouldn't cream his pants just talking. "Logan, I want to ask you a question. It's very important and it's very personal." His grip loosened but he still held onto my wrist. "I don't want details but did you both have full protection last night?"
I wondered if that would throw him but it didn't. Logan was a very practical lad. The grip was tightened. "Och, Marky, we didnae go the whole way," he smiled, "We just loved each other by being together." He looked me straight in the eye. "We only held each other." He laughed softly. "That first time he didn't even have tae hold me... It was gae wonderful!" His gaze didn't waver. "Curt wouldnae dae anything to harm me he said. I guess you know he's been with other boys." I nodded. "He says he'll go for tests before anything more."
I said that was very wise. I told Logan that both Tris and I had been to Addenbrooke's and had had good news. He was now very open about the discussions he'd had with Curt during the night. He'd never done anything other himself than having quite a few shared wanks with a couple of friends but, as I had guessed, Curt was no virgin and knew the score about infection and protection. Curt was going to phone Davy today to make an appointment for him at the hospital in any case. Hoping it might even be tomorrow. I said 'nothing further until the results' and Logan smiled. From the conversation I guessed that Curt was a rather insatiable bottom and Logan was itching, if that's the right word, to explore that compact little body.
"He's nae flibbertigibbet though, he's got his wee head screwed on!" said Logan, "That Shawn may call him tyke, but he told me last night I had to look after him well because he was a good wee lad. I will, and we promised each other there'd be nothing until we know!"
Yes! Good for them, but the mental image of the brawny Logan and the tight-bodied Curt engaging in immortal combat was sufficient to arouse my own feelings. Oh, Tris! Why are you not here when I need you?
To get a grip on myself - no not in that way, but it would be very nice - I asked Logan about Curt. He said he vaguely remembered him from school as he was in school plays but he had been at least two years ahead of Curt. He said his father knew Curt's dad as they belonged to the same golf club and Dr Stein was a lecturer at Edinburgh University. He thought he taught languages. I asked him why Curt had left school at sixteen. He thought he might have been bullied because he was obviously gay and he'd gone to a Technical College and learned catering before he got the job in the College. He thought Curt's father had arranged it as he had been at the College as a student. Oh, more connections with the place. I then asked what would the two families think about their relationship.
"Och, Curt says his Mum and Dad have known about him for years. He's got an older brother and he's engaged so they're nae worried about any grandchildren." He smiled, then looked a bit solemn. "I didn't know about me. I thought about boys but I thought it was because of the boys' school I was at like I told you. Then I almost made a mistake of saying something to one of the lads in Africa. I really liked him and I wanted..." He paused and nodded. "...But I didnae and he was a good friend and still is. I think my mother may hae guessed. I've ma Uncle Robert who lives with his friend. I think I'll talk to him before I tell ma parents. He and Uncle Graham have a restaurant in the Old Town." I assumed he meant in Edinburgh. "They'll like Curt."
"Give him a job?"
He laughed. "I want him here until I get ma degree. And I'll have to dae extra training. There's long enough!"
"What about your roommate?"
"Och, Anthony disnae worry. He thinks I'm gay already as I work at the Club. He's away with a different filly every week. He says he's too shagged out to worry about me shagging him!"
I laughed, remembering the very well set up young man who'd come to see my set with Logan and who'd been, I'd thought, a bit apprehensive about that Freshers' Evening in the Club.. "He'd have to worry about me. If it wasn't for Tris I think I would have made a pass!"
He laughed too. "You're welcome, but I do say he's got a braw pair o'legs on him!"
"Any thing else?" This slipped out before I realised it made me sound like a right old size-queen!
He shook his head. "Plenty of muscle except for that!"
"Been peeking?"
"Don't be daft! We both wander about with naething on."
"Not been tempted to have a try?"
He shook his head and laughed. "I hey ma doubts about him sometimes. The fillies never last and he gets a bit playful with the other lads in the changing room after a game."
"I think there's quite a few who hide their light under a bushel." I was getting even more confidential. "Tris says that sort of thing allows lads to get over any homoerotic tendencies they feel awkward about. You know what he means?" Logan nodded and said "Aye!". I went on. "I know my cousin Adam had to be very careful but he's made a good choice now." I snickered. "A case of torn shorts and he just needed a little push. Anyway, you'll meet him next term I expect. He's getting a Fellowship soon, I hope."
I told him a bit about my family and how Uncle Francesco was gay and that his partner was Charles Fane-Stuart's father. He was taken aback by this, even more so when I told him about Aldo's background in Venice and also about the 'Matteoli Empire' as it had been described in a recent glamour mag.
After that he went off and I spent a while on the maths problem which resolved quite nicely and then got ready to go into town. I had just reached Rose Crescent as the lads arrived. They'd met up with Bozo and Harpo - the blessings of mobile phones - and all seemed to be carrying at least two more bags of goodies for family presents. We'd just found a vacant table when Tris arrived with Logan. Of course, he was a focus of attention as he was a First Year student and they all wanted to know what it felt like and what should they do. Tris, as a graduate, and I as a Third Year, would be much too set in our elderly ways to remember the trials and tribulations of the first days as Freshers. We just sat and grinned at each other.
But food called and I must admit I did make a pig of myself and had a Double Mac with fries - well, as Frankie and the others were paying for it, I might as well indulge myself. My pigging out didn't match theirs with large fries added for each, and, although Bozo and Harpo had been feeding on the fruits of love, they needed recuperative sustenance at this stage of the day and had two burgers apiece.
Finally, the joys, or otherwise, of discussing being a Fresher at whichever University was their choice were exhausted and Pugsy held forth on the rigours of Polar exploration which they'd experienced vicariously during their visit to the Scott Polar Institute. "Of course," Pugsy said, "You can guess who posed by the statue of the nude boy..." so Frankie stood, and to the amusement of the crowded room, posed. Jack's lip curled. "Luckily he didn't strip off as it was too cold." "He'd have matched the kid then," said Tris and the Toad was deflated. "Trust you to spoil the moment," he said, "But then," he grinned, "I am also famous as a model." "Balls!" said Pugsy sotto voce. "Too true," said Tris, "Tickled pink as you might say." The Toad sneered.
As that little episode finished Moggo piped up.
"We wondered what was going on in the same road, looked like a bit of a rumble. Three squad cars and about a dozen cops seemed to be raiding one of the hotels. They were armed, too! D'you think it was a drugs bust?"
I looked at Tris and winked surreptitiously at Frankie, but we didn't enlighten the others of the happenings which had involved Liam's Mum and, consequently, the collection of burned documents. Obviously, although Frankie must have realised they were in Lensfield Road, he hadn't said anything. The Mouth could be kept shut when necessary.
"Probably," said Tris, "There must be plenty of the stuff about in a university town like this." I noted Logan was nodding.
Pugsy looked at the others. "You want to keep clear of it. That cousin of mine who was killed in the car crash was not only drunk but was high on drugs as well. He'd started at school when he was sixteen and it did him in before he was twenty."
There was quite a hush from the group as we looked at him. Yes, we knew drugs were the cause of Drew's collapse and the deaths of others. Frankie knew that story and was nodding as Pugsy told of his cousin.
"Not worth it," Pugsy went on, "We all know there's stuff around at school." He shook his head. "Not for me."
It was interesting. All the others nodded assent. I just wondered how youngsters got involved, then hooked. Peer pressure? Being one of a crowd? Feeling inadequate? Perhaps being a member of the skate-boarding gang was a saving grace for Frankie and his buddies. Too busy being with each other than experimenting with the weed or anything else. Anything else?
By this time bellies were full and I made my excuses as I had to get back to collect my books and notes for the meeting with Lewis. Tris had to get back to the office and the lads still had things to see and buy in the town. Tris said they'd better watch the time as they had a bus to catch at four. As Tris and I left they all thanked us for the wonderful time they'd had. I looked at Bozo and Harpo who had such smiles on their faces and in the crowded restaurant were openly holding hands. Interestingly, no-one was taking any notice. Too busy stuffing their gullets? I waved cheerio to Tris as we separated in the market-place and walked to College in contented silence with an equally contented Logan. As we parted I said we'd most probably have a last night at the Club before departing for home tomorrow as we had to collect Raph who was joining us for Christmas.
I was waiting for Tris with a large, ice-cold, gin and tonic when he appeared at the door of the set at five-thirty. We hugged each other even before he took off his overcoat. I was happy - the afternoon had gone well, he was happy - Jacob had been most complimentary on his drafting of a contract. We were both happy the lads had enjoyed their stay.
"Bozo and Harpo?" he asked as he sipped his drink when we were comfortably ensconced side by side on the sofa , "What do you think? Consummated?"
"Something like that," I said, "Couldn't take their eyes off each other. Whatever they did has cemented that relationship." We drank to that.
I then told him about Logan and Curt. We both agreed we fancied the pair of them and were both rather intrigued that Logan had quite a marked Scottish accent whereas Curt didn't. Buoyed up by the fact that we would be seeing Logan in his kilt - and he certainly had a 'braw pair o'legs' - and the cute Curt in his shorts, we rushed through the Marks and Spencer ready meal from the fridge, washed, changed and dressed ready for the Club. We'd get there early and not stay late was Tris's decision but we might have to wait for Raph! OK, I was happy to go along with that, but I was also thinking of another maths problem so spent half an hour sorting it out while Tris dozed flat out on the sofa.
So, it was just on nine o'clock when we reached the Club. No hoodies, baddies, or bodies of any sort as it was quite chilly with a thin layer of snow when Delon - known as Dell-boy, one of the other bouncers, opened the door from the inside. Tris had quite a thing going with Delon - not like that, but a bantering affinity for corny one-liners and double-entendres of which Delon was a master. He was about six foot six, I assumed Jamaican origin, and had a small, demure young Asian lad with an impossibly long name, Shiva something, as his partner. Who fitted whom was a constant topic of discreet conversation in the Club and of open amazement as far as Tris was concerned whenever he met Delon.
"Problems tonight for you, eh Dell-boy?" Tris said as a huge hand enveloped his in greeting and he kicked his shoes to rid them of any snow, "Customers'll be falling over themselves at the excitement of seeing it and it's only a couple of inches at the most, I guess." He held the thumb and finger of his left hand about that apart.
"Tris!" he roared, "Shiva says first time he saw it there was at least nine inches and they never have it so thick in Sri Lanka! Quite took his breath away he said. And it was all lovely and pure white!" He saw me trailing behind Tris as I was knocking accumulated snow off my shoes as well against a handy post. "Hi, Mark!" he said as he let go of Tris and grabbed my hand, "Just heard a couple of the lads got a speeding ticket last night."
"Who?" I asked, "And were they both driving?"
He let out another roar. "No, the pair were doing sixty-nine in a thirty mile limit!"
I groaned. "Delon, where do you get them from? Has Shiva bought you a box of Christmas crackers already."
"That's a cracker to pull!" said Tris, "Toss you for him some day, Dell-boy!"
Delon just let out another roar as we made our way to the cloakroom table. Felix had been listening to the banter.
"He'th a caution, ithn't he?" he said as he deftly took our coats and returned with the tokens. "Have you brought Liam tonight? I thaw hith Mum today, but I didn't thay anything."
"No, he's busy I expect," I said, "And we mustn't alarm his Mum, must we?"
He grinned. "Nice to thee him here. Thoth friendth of yourth. It'th your brother and hith friend'th?"
"Yep," I said, "But they're all straight."
"Could have fooled me," he said, with a sort of reminiscent smile, "Two of them had a quick feel when we were danthing! Than't thay who..," He winked. "...But that one with the muthles! Wow!"
As Felix had 'one with muscles' to himself his assessment of, I assumed, Pugsy was a great compliment. And Pugsy? Did he cop a feel? I wondered a bit about Pugsy.
There weren't so many in tonight. Saving their energy for the big party night advertised for Christmas Eve which we would miss as we had to get home. I'd also promised Mr Prentice I'd play for part of the Christmas Eve Mass and that would be a family gathering anyway.
Lee and his cronies were already sitting in their usual place and he gave us a thumbs up as we settled into the booth opposite. I held up three fingers and he nodded. Raphael was circulating so I gave him our order and he said he'd arranged with Shawn to finish at eleven thirty. I was chatting to Tris when a low voice in my left ear made me start.
"My backside ain't half sore!"
It was Curt, balancing a tray with the five drinks I'd ordered. Oh, crumbs! Don't say the pair had been at it even after the promise.. ...and when?
He had the grin on his face. "It's OK, I didn't mean to scare you," he said, "But Cheffie gave me one with the ladle as soon as he saw me for not turning up this morning. Then Sean told him about me and Logan and he was all sorry and he hugged me and I don't have to do breakfast tomorrow!"
"And I suppose Logan is pleased about that?"
He must have been taking lessons from Toad. The nostrils curled. "You bet!" He set our drinks down and took the others over to the boxers. I watched as he whispered something in Lee's ear which set him off laughing.
Our next visitor was Logan who, as usual, looked stunning in his kilt and dark green shirt. "Just to tell you Davy arranged for Curt to have that test this evening and he said it didn't hurt. He'll be alright, I'm sure." He shook his head. "I promise, nothing until then."
As the DJ was in full swing with some new number Tris grabbed Logan and whisked him round to the dance floor. As soon as he'd gone I took my drink over to the boxers and they shifted along so I could sit with them.
"Good night last night," said the second one. I remembered, Presley was his name. "That was your brother and his mates, wasn't it? He's the one with that other lad in leather last week?"
I told them a bit about the happenings and the wedding. Presley knew about that as he drove a van for the florists who provided all the flowers and decorations. Lee looked at the other two when this bit of conversation ended.
"Do'you think leather'd suit us?" He went on without waiting for an answer. "We'd like to try, but it's the other ones. They're police."
"Don't worry about that," I said, "They'd be most flattered.." I smiled at Lee. "You flex those muscles and your harness would have to be elastic!" Gosh, I was getting the unspoken message the three of them were a bit shy. "Would you like me to ask? Mr B is the boss. Dude's gone to London so there is one vacancy at least!" They were all ears. "Tell you what, I'll find out if Mr B is on duty tomorrow night. I bet if he isn't he'll be in for the party." In thanks I accepted a drink and heard that Presley was appearing at a benefit evening for a retiring boxer in the New Year. I thought I'd better ask Raph if he knew whether Brad was on duty. I supped my drink, thanked them and said I'd let them know.
Catching Raph was difficult. There had been an influx of customers and he was rushing about taking orders which Curt and Logan were delivering. I went up to the bar and had to hear Godders' version of last night's events and the considered opinion they never made boys so handsome in his day. Raph at last was free. I found out that Brad was home putting his feet up as he'd had a busy day and, yes, he was planning, work permitting, to be in Christmas Eve as he wasn't going to his sister's until Christmas morning. I went out into the corridor where it was marginally quieter and phoned him on my mobile. He was most amused about the boxers' request. No problem. Tell Presley to be round his at eight sharp in the morning and he would be kitted out and he'd find stuff for the other two, or three if the missing one wanted, by the New Year.
Wow! The ranks of leather would be extended. When I told them of Brad's offer I was immediately clutched by Presley and dragged, not unwillingly, onto the dance floor. There I found Tris being mauled, as I put it, by a succession of dancing lads who had supplanted Logan much earlier. Presley was an excellent dancer and when Tris took him off my hands I just stood and watched the pair who complimented each other by their inherent gracefulness even when the beat of the music was so intense.
Shawn was doing his usual prowl keeping an eye on things. He came up and stood by me. It was difficult to hold a conversation because of the loudness of the music but we managed to make ourselves understood over how good the previous evening was, pity Tris and I wouldn't be at the party, good job Tyke and Kiltie had tied the knot and he'd be glad when Bulgy Boy returned to help out at the party. I managed to discern the words "Big buffet" so food, other than the crisps and packets of other unmentionables on usual offer at the bar, was going to be supplied. "Who's doing it?" I managed to bellow in his ear. "Shiva's arranged it with his shop."
All I knew was that Delon and Shiva worked at the same big department store. Delon was a Supplies Manager someone had told me and Shiva was an accountant. I assumed it must be the store's catering department, which I knew produced delectable goodies.
I was then commandeered by one of the usual buffed-up lads who constantly circulated eyeing the talent and as we danced quizzed me about the availability of the lads who had been in with me the night before. Oh, my stock was rising. Did he think I had a personal harem? Or whatever the equivalent male establishment might be called. I repeated to him they were my brother's friends and as far as I knew were straight.
"Could have fooled me!" he said with a leering chuckle, "I gave them all a dance and they all had hard-ons up to their eyebrows!" He pressed a bit closer. Mine was only semi-hard. Although nice he wasn't really my type I told myself to keep things in check and, anyway, I had other things on my mind. But he was either erect or had the proverbial banana in his pocket. Blast! Mine stiffened. "That's better," he whispered. The cad! He was still on about the lads. "The one with the ears, Jewish boy I think. Bloody good dancer." That was Jack. "All good - but that one with the muscles..." The pressure increased. "...got me really going!" Pugsy again!
"He'll be here as a student next year," I managed to get out as the beat, the heat and the meat were getting me going, too.
"Bloody hell! I'll be first in the queue! If he's straight I'm Dolly Parton!"
I was intrigued. Another one's opinion as well. "And is that your gaydar speaking?" I whispered straight into his ear.
"Fucking is!"
I put my foot in it then. "He's fucking Tris's sister at present."
"Give me five minutes with him and he'll be fucking me!"
Oh, was that confession time, or did it mean Dandy was versatile. I'd got the impression from comments I'd overheard that he liked to be on top. It was confession time and the record on the turntable was coming to a climax, too.
"Wow, I like it both ways, but I wouldn't mind peering up into his eyes..." Luckily the resounding crash at the end of the number came. He squeezed my hand held in his. "...Ta, that was great, but gotta go." He rushed off leaving a rather amazed partner behind.
A voice came behind me. It was Batman. "Do you always have that effect on whoever you dance with?"
"Pardon?"
"Bloody hell, you are slow tonight. Dandy-boy was about to cream his undies like the millions before them who've succumbed to your charms.."
He was grinning his head off. How could I disabuse him of the fact it wasn't me but the image of Pugsy giving Dandy 'a right seeing to' in the jargon? OK, I was back on wavelength. A slight Toad sneer.
"Just my usual charismatic self," I said, "If you require stimulation for your tired old body I might be available for the third waltz!"
"Fuck off!" he said, "But what caused the beginnings of the volcano's eruption?"
I thought I'd better enlighten him. "He was asking about Frankie's friend Pugsy..."
"Bloody hell!" he repeated himself but a little more vehemently, "Yeah, I was watching him myself last night. That lad doesn't know if he's coming or going in my humble opinion."
Oh, another speculation. "AC DC?" I asked.
"Too bloody true," he sounded quite serious now, "Anyone who tapped into that fount would be onto a good thing."
That was the third time in less than an hour I'd heard the same assessment of Antony Pugsley. True, I'd also experienced a very sensual and sensuous young man who wasn't afraid of showing his feelings. I thought with those he felt an affinity. One thing, I was not going to mention anything to Frankie. But, I'd also got the feeling Pugsy wanted to be more than a friend even with Frankie. Was this gaydar? Anyway, I had to tell Carl about the boxers and I noticed then he wasn't in his usual get-up but had on slacks and a polo neck jumper. I'd have to follow up about Pugsy later with him.
"Let's go over somewhere a bit quieter," I said, "I've got a bit of news for you as I've been playing the role of Fairy Godfather this evening." He grunted something, probably obscene, as I led him towards our usual sitting place and quickly told him three more might join the ranks of leather. I saw the three boxers stare as he approached. I stood in front of them.
"I waved my magic wand and look who appeared," I said, "He's off-duty in more ways than one tonight but ask him."
I left him chatting to the three who looked a bit more relaxed when I returned with Curt bearing another round of drinks, all non-alcoholic for them and a Heineken for me. I perched on the end of the banquette and let them get on with their discussion of various designs and costs. I wondered if I should mention leather goods to Unc, then remembered a picture I'd seen from one of his shows where one lad was trussed up like a turkey, in my opinion, while his companion was in a stunning ensemble which made one almost drool. At least, perhaps it was the lad who made one almost drool. My thoughts were interrupted by Presley sitting next to me.
"Saw you with Dandy," he poked me in the side, "Went to the bogs myself and I think the fucker had just sprayed the tiles. What did you do to him?"
Oh God, forthright was the word for it. I shook my head. "Not me. He was reminiscing about my friend Pugsy last night."
He sniggered. "I know the one. He'd look good in leather, too." He winked. "You and Tris could have a three-way there, no doubt!"
"Orgies your thing?" I asked, laughing.
"If only!"
So, Pugsy had made quite an impression in those few short hours. Tris would have to be told! Anyway, where was he? Speak of the Devil. He came round the corner chatting to someone he'd obviously been dancing with. Logan came up to them and handed them both a bottle. I saw the young man mouth 'Thanks' and Tris came over to join the group. As there was no more room on the seat I stood and we went over to two vacant chairs.
"Whhoosh! I needed that!" he said after taking a healthy glug at the bottle. "Jerzy's a bloody good dancer. And I think I've got my first client." He stretched his legs out and smiled.
"First name terms and a client? Give?"
"Yep, he's having trouble with his landlord. He's at Trinity Hall doing something on an obscure foreign author and lives out of college. It's odd, he's from that place Ivo's at. Rothenia." He saw my warning glance. He lowered his voice. "Didn't say anything about him, or Liam and his Mum, either." I nodded. "Anyway, his landlord says he's not paying enough but he says there was a written agreement and the man says there wasn't and won't show it to him. I've suggested he comes in to see Jacob tomorrow morning. We're open until twelve."
"We?"
"My dear boy, business is business. Anyway, he seems very nice and Jacob does quite a bit of pro bono work for needy students."
"I hope you aren't making assumptions. You don't want to annoy anyone there even before you start."
He shook his head. "It's not like that. I think Jacob and Paul won't mind and if he does come in I'll learn more if I can sit in on the interview."
"Client confidentiality?"
"I would be acting as an associate. There are rules."
Change the subject. I took a swig from my bottle as Tris emptied his. "Topic Pugsy," I said, "Your sister's beau has broken three hearts here at least and there are speculations about his level of heterosexuality. In fact, I have it on good authority the thought of him has brought one gentleman to a climax already this evening."
Tris laughed. "You sound more like Charles every day. But it's true. Two of the lads I've danced with tonight raised Pugsy as a topic of conversation and from what was pressed into me the arousal was elsewhere as well."
"What do you think?"
He wrinkled his nose. "I think dear Antony wouldn't be amiss to a little exploration of his other side." He shook his head. "Not me. My sister is too important and I don't think it should be you. All I hope is he doesn't make a first move or involve Moggo and Bozo. I noticed he was watching them quite avidly at lunch today. He wants to know and I think we've got to help in some way. But not us, OK?"
"It's got to be someone he can trust completely. There's too much of the macho Pugsy on the surface. Who?"
Tris shook his head. "Don't know. Something might crop up."
"What's cropping up?" It was Carl who flopped down in the chair next to ours. He took a swig at the bottle he was holding.
"My sister's toyboy," said Tris, "The prodigious Pugsy."
"Wow!" said Carl with a smirk, "That's the second row forward with the bent ear. Dances like an angel. Could fancy him! Ooh! he could bend my...." He didn't finish the statement, just caressed the empty bottle in a rather blatant manner.
"I'll tell Davy," I said, waving my bottle at him, "You must be about the twentieth person who's fallen under his spell in the past two days."
He laughed. "Davy said he wouldn't mind giving him a bed bath, so that's twenty-one! Now, enough about him." He settled back in his chair. "Three, or even four recruits to the world of leather." He laughed. "Sounds like that bloody advert - nothing to pay until two thousand and twenty! Seriously though, they're a good little group and I'll get Mr B to have a chat to Shawn to see if we could have a proper corner here." He grinned. "Might get your pal Pugsy to join. Him and your brother in joint leather jockstraps." He laughed. "Haven't got over that yet. Kept thinking of it at the service when he was doing his ushering. Just wondered if he was wearing it under his pin-stripes?"
"Those were unseemly thoughts for someone guarding a holy book," I said. "It was interesting though, the occasion and the topic weren't mentioned while his pals were here."
"Oooh! A secret little fetish maybe. You'd better check whether he wears it in bed."
I laughed. "Raph's coming to stay with us over Christmas and he's sleeping with Frankie. I'll ask him."
"Oh my God! He's another of my fantasies. Good job I have Davy to confess to!"
"Not here tonight. Is he on duty?"
"No, he's at home. Busy day today. He's been in A and E all day and there were quite a few in with broken wrists or ankles because of the snow and ice plus a couple of car accidents. I just came in to check Curt and Logan were still OK to come over for Christmas Day."
"Hence no harness?"
"No, I'd have been the only one. Mr B's interviewing a couple of miscreants. Shoplifting on a rather grand scale." He nodded towards the boxers. "But it'll be good if they join in. Could be a feature of this place."
He refused another drink and went off waving to the happy-looking boxers. Tris stretched his legs out and looked at his watch.
"It's well after eleven now so Raphie should be finished soon. You'd better pop and check."
I forbore to ask what his last servant died of but did as I was told - mainly because I liked to see who was around, especially the dancers who were still at it. Ouch! A couple gyrating near the edge of the floor had glistening torsos and I watched for a moment. One caught my eye, winked and pushed his lips out. Oh God, it was Dandy, already one load down this evening and looking ready for more. I moved on and found Raph behind the bar with Shawn and Logan.
"You can take the little bastard off now. I've checked he hasn't had his hand in the till tonight or I'd have broken his bloody Aussie fingers off." He put an arm around Raph's neck and drew him towards him. He plonked a quick kiss on his cheek and with the other hand pushed a wad of notes into his trouser pocket. "Fuck off now before I get sentimental and get Delon to run you off the premises. Remember, big party New Year's Eve and you can wear Kiltie's spare dress as he won't be here! And make sure you wear undies!"
Logan was behind him. "Don't you be disrespectful to my national dress, Sassenach!"
Curt appeared from behind the array of optics and bottles. "Logan, take no notice of that rude man. He's just jealous 'cause he's got knobbly knees..."
Shawn was quite a toughie for someone of fifty-odd. He turned and Curt found himself cradled in his arms. He stuck a thumb in Curt's mouth as Curt opened it to say something.
"You suck on that littl'un. Give you a bit of practice. And I want Kiltie back in one piece next year even if he doesn't speak English like my old mother." He set him down but not before slapping his nicely rounded bum cheek covered in Unc's designer shorts.
Curt was not to be put down lightly in any way. He looked up at Shawn with guileless eyes at the same time rubbing his injured bum. "Didn't know you ever had a mother..."
Godders and his pal were in their usual places sitting at the bar and were laughing, somewhat tipsily, at the interaction. "Got you there, Shawn! Glad to see you haven't ground the poor boys down."
"Useless lot, they grind me down!" He turned to Raph. "Fuck off, Blondie, I suppose I'll have to take over the bar now!"
Raph wasn't ground down. He leaned over and flung his arms round Shawn. "Thanks you old bastard for giving me a job. I love yer!" He gave Shawn a real full-on lip-clashing kiss and rushed off out to the staff room. Things were getting a bit sentimental. Shawn put an arm round Curt and with the other pulled Logan towards him.
"You two!" He sniffed, then composed himself. "Get your idle arses in gear and start making me a profit!" He drew them both in for a hug. The acerbic Shawn had a soft centre which we all knew.
I blew him a kiss as I turned to find Tris and collect Raphael. Godders patted me on the arm. "Have a good Christmas."
The boxers and Carl had gone and a few weary dancers had taken over the seats. We waved them goodbye and after retrieving our coats stood waiting for Raph. Delon was sitting reading a magazine with an open tin of chocolates next to him. "Got a riddle for you, Tris," he said looking up from a centrefold of some very well-hung Eastern European stud. He pointed to the tin. "What does Quality Street do that a man can't?"
Tris rolled his eyes heavenwards and shook his head. "Dunno."
Delon was in fine form. "They come in eight flavours! Have one!"
We both groaned, but helped ourselves. As Raph took a little time in coming himself we had another choccy each at the same time as squinting at the mag and marvelling at the displays of massive meat on the models.
"You like a nice bit of white meat on your chicken at Christmas, eh Delon?" said Tris. I thought a bit near the mark.
Delon just laughed. "I like it just nicely brown." He clicked his lips. Obviously a reference to the stately Shiva.
Thank God Tris didn't have time to ask him how he liked his stuffing as Raph came along at that moment with a knapsack, two bags and a gold-coloured bottle carrier.
Delon reached under the table he was sitting at and brought out a silver-coloured bottle carrier. He handed it to Raph who was in danger of dropping part of his load. "Best wishes," he said, "It's a little something from Shiva and me."
Raph was a little flustered. "Thanks, Delon, I didn't expect it."
"It's nothing. And tell that big brother of yours to be back for New Year with that Italian himbo of his!"
"What do you mean 'Italian himbo'?" I said, "I'm half Italian! Am I a himbo?"
Delon laughed. "Of course. You've both got those lovely hairy chests. At least, his is all-covering. Oooh! Rub up against that when you're dancing!!"
"You wait Matey," I said, thinking if only I could get Guido over for a holiday his hearthrug would excite Delon even further, "I didn't know you had a fetish as well. Just visit the carpet department at your place and make love to the shag-pile!"
He roared. "I like that. I could get an off-cut for Shiva." He drew a pattern in the air of an ideal male torso. "You'd better get off before you give me more ideas."
We shook hands, took over a bag each from Raph and waved the Club and its inhabitants goodbye until we returned in the New Year.
Raph was full of thanks for us putting him up for the night and, especially, for him being invited for Christmas. As we walked along I told him, with Tris listening, about the various discussions I'd had and the opinions expressed, mainly about Pugsy. He was laughing because he'd also watched Pugsy do the rounds, as he put it. I just wondered if Raph might be the one to 'test the water'? Something to ponder and, perhaps, engineer. Perhaps not. It might spoil the relationship between Pugsy and Shelley.
When we arrived at the set Raph said he wasn't hungry but Tris made him a couple of sandwiches which were devoured pronto. We explained that both of us would be busy in the morning. I would be practising and Tris would be at the office. Perhaps he would go and get the bus tickets? He said he had some shopping to do anyway so was most agreeable. I said I would arrange some lunch but that Tris and I would be going to King's so he had to be ready for us all to rush off for the six o'clock bus.
As it was now past midnight Tris said it was bedtime. Raph said he'd sleep on the sofa but I said he could have the other bed as everything would be cleared and cleaned by the time Oliver and I returned. He was a bit hesitant but in the end was in bed before Tris and I got out of the bathroom. Tris and I just cuddled before falling into deep sleep. What a day!
To be continued: