All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a realistic level.
This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now.
Note: I would like to thank Matthew for his unwavering support and editing skills while I write this story. Matthew has been sharing his talents by posting another great story. Look in adult/youth for a story about the greatest design of all time.
Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com
Chapter One-hundred Four: New Horizons
Daniel stood in the dressing room with the boys as they changed from their shorts and t- shirt uniforms into their Cherub outfits. As Daniel watched the boys, he remembered when the boys first appeared with Elizabeth as the co-host of The Afternoon Show. Now, Elizabeth was the host of The Morning Show. On that first show, the older boys were required to wear butt-plugs in case someone called on them for favors. Now, they were just kids, dressed like Cherubs, looking beautiful and enjoying themselves.
Normally, Daniel didn't stay with the boys while they dressed, but this appearance had all the markings of being something other than normal. This was the largest group of boys that Daniel had ever brought to be on the show with Elizabeth. The atmosphere may have changed, but the message, and its seriousness, had not. Rather than the usual ten or so, Daniel had brought twenty-three boys, including Clay and Marich.
The increase consisted of boys who had been hand picked from a large contingent of volunteers after undergoing evaluations. None had appeared in a group or represented other boys as the Cherubs did; all were part of the recently freed slaves group. These were boys who had been enslaved for only a short period of time and were fortunate enough to have not been forced to endure daily physical abuse. All were considered as potentially ready to return to their families to resume a normal life.
"Now, boys, I want you to remember who your partner is. Watch for my signal and then the first five pairs can move into the audience. When I give the signal again, the first five pairs will return to the stage and the second five pairs will move into the audience. This is new for half of you. If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable, signal your partner and the two of you return to the stage immediately. We don't want you to feel bad about wanting to return to the stage, nor do we want you to be afraid. Does everyone understand?" Daniel paused for a moment. "Danny, Ian and Brian will stay with me on- stage. I don't think they will have any trouble letting Mary, Linda or Elizabeth give them a little attention. Are there any questions?"
"Mr. Daniel?" one of the new boys called out. He waited for Daniel to look at him before continuing. "S'pose somebody in the audience recognizes us. I mean, maybe somebody that . . .well, you know, somebody . . ."
"Somebody that you may have had to spend time with as a slave?" Daniel finished the question for the boy, who nodded. "Actually, I don't think that's very likely on a morning show like this and, should there be someone out there that you entertained, I doubt that person is going to stand up and acknowledge having spent an evening with a pleasure boy. However, if Murphy's Law prevails, and there is someone out there, just remember to be courteous. At the time that it happened it was not illegal and we don't want to cause any problems. Acknowledge the person if you must and head straight for the stage. If someone in the audience wants to get cute, I'll handle them; at least the verbalizing. The security guards will handle the physical part. I do not, repeat, do not, want you to give anyone any reason to say anything negative about how you act or react to anything that happens here today. In the past, we have never had any problems and I don't want today to be any different."
"There's somethin' else, Mr. Dan'l," another of the new boys spoke up. "Well, we know this is a television show and all, and, well, s'pose somebody in our family sees us?"
"We're actually counting on it," Daniel responded, surprising the boys. "Remember those letters we had you write a few days ago? Well, the letter each of you wrote was sent out. There hasn't been enough time for any non-deliverable letters to be returned to us. We are hoping someone that knows you will see you. That way they can be certain that you are in good health and treated well."
"Are ya lookin' ta send some of us home?" one boy asked; his voice filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation.
"Only when we feel that you, and your family, are ready. There's no rush from our end. Our goal is to help you have as normal a life as possible from here on out. There will be counseling for you and your families. When the time is right, there will be contact and visits, and hopefully, the right choices can be made.
"Now, as for today, you are here to represent New Horizons and all the boys at the camp. You are also here to enjoy yourselves. After the show, there will be some light refreshments and then we'll head over to the hospital. For those of you that have never visited our senior friends, you are in for an experience," Daniel concluded with a smile.
The last remark brought some light laughter from some of the boys as they glanced over at TJ and Evan. The new boys didn't know what was funny, yet, but they would learn before they reached the hospital.
"Hey, I'm Danny and me and my friends over there," Danny paused a moment to point towards his friends, causing Daniel and the other adults to laugh, "are here ta visit wif you." Danny tilted his head and showed the big smile that always won everyone's heart.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, my name is Elizabeth Risler, your host for The Morning Show. I'm sure many of our loyal viewers recognize young Danny from New Horizons. Over the past several months it has been our pleasure, first on The Afternoon Show and now on The Morning Show, to welcome Daniel Thompson and the Cherubs from New Horizons. This morning Daniel is accompanied by a larger contingent than in the past.
"Also, joining us this morning are Mary Holmes and Linda Sinclair. Mary and Linda are mothers whose lives, and the lives of their sons, have been deeply effected by New Horizons. While we are visiting with our guests on stage, each of you will find a few cards and a pencil under your seats. These items are to allow you to write out questions for our guests. The questions may be addressed to any of the adults or the boys; however, not to a specific boy. The boys will now begin to circulate through the audience, taking your cards and bringing them to the stage.
"If you have been keeping up with the news surrounding New Horizons, and the boys, you will know that the number of boys at New Horizons almost doubled recently. The increase was due to a court ruling, upheld by the higher courts, that many boys were denied due process at the time they were enslaved. The courts released those boys and gave them protection from being taken back into slavery based on prior actions. Daniel has given us permission to tell you that a few of those boys volunteered to come with this group today.
"Those of you watching us from home will see pictures of the boys flashing in the upper left corner of your screen. Members of the studio audience will see the same pictures on our monitors here in the studio. If you see a boy that you think you may recognize or know, you may call in using the number that will be flashing in the upper right hand corner of your screen. Please understand that operators will be receiving your calls and will accept detailed information. We will not be putting any personal calls through during the show. Any information given by you will be held in confidence. The information will be screened and a representative from New Horizons will contact you after the show.
"We will now take a short break for our commercials and, when we return, talk with our guests and take questions from the audience. Viewers at home may use the number on your screen to call in your questions."
As soon as the signal was given that they were off the air, assistants delivered the cards with questions from the audience to four assistant producers who quickly scanned the cards. Based solely on experience and instincts, the assistant producers each handed four cards to Elizabeth for her review. All of this was accomplished in just a little under one minute.
"Mr. Dan'l," Danny whispered in Daniel's ear while tapping the man's shoulder. "I gotta pee."
"Can you wait a few minutes? We're about to go back on television."
Danny shook his head while he grabbed and held tightly to the affected part. Clay saw what was happening and stretched his arms out towards Danny. Danny was quickly carried backstage while the adults smiled and tried to suppress their laughter.
"Daniel," Elizabeth spoke while she continued to review the cards. "Here's an interesting card. There is no specific question, just a statement that the person would like to ask about your future plans for the boys and New Horizons. It's signed with initials."
"Can you tell who sent the card? It sounds as though it might be a good topic."
"We can identify the person by the seat number encoded on the card."
Elizabeth handed the card to an associate who almost immediately identified the seat. A camera connected to a monitor that only Elizabeth and her support staff could view focused in on a woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties and well groomed. The location appeared at the bottom of the screen. Elizabeth and Daniel looked up into the audience and spotted the individual. Looking around the woman, Daniel spotted someone else that piqued his curiosity.
"Elizabeth, look at the row behind the woman and four or five seats to her left."
"Is that David Arnold?"
"Or his identical twin," Daniel answered. "This could be interesting. Let's take her first and see where we go."
When the show resumed, Elizabeth advised the audience that questions had been selected based on what the show's producers believed would have the widest appeal and they would attempt to answer as many as possible in the limited amount of time available. The lady was called upon to present her question.
"Mr. Thompson, there are rumors that the governor, or members of his cabinet, will introduce legislation related to slave boys and New Horizons. Also, New Horizons has been criticized for saying that your program's goal is to reunite the boys with their families or prepare them for a productive future. At the same time, it is well known that you keep them as slaves. The boys do not wear any clothing at your camp and you bring them out to serve others, such as at the senior center. How can you justify claiming to help the boys when you keep them naked and make them serve others? What is the difference between the way you care for them and the way their masters cared for them? Also, what can you tell us about any future plans for your organization?"
Daniel stared at the woman for a moment, knowing he could not say what was truly on his mind and, at the same time, feeling as though he had been set-up and blindsided. The woman had taken what was common knowledge, explained multiple times, and worded it to have a negative connotation. Daniel looked at his boys who appeared to be as stunned as he was. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile at the woman, and began.
"Wow," Daniel commented with a slight smile. "I'm not sure how much of that was statement, how much was allegations, and how much was questions. I'll try to remember the order and answer you to the best of my ability and I would like to begin with a statement of my own." Daniel couldn't hide the edge of irritation in his voice. "We place a great deal of emphasis on letting the boys know that they are not slaves. We believe it is imperative that the boys learn to respect themselves and feel secure with who they are. Part of these teachings is letting the boys know that they should take a great deal of pride in the fact that they were placed in hell and survived." Daniel paused to allow the audience to absorb his statement and then continued.
"As to the rumors you mentioned, I can neither confirm nor deny what the governor, or any member of his cabinet, is doing at this time. That is a question that should be directed to the governor or his representative. Your next statement is the one that bothers me the most.
"You stated that 'it is well known that you keep them as slaves.'" Daniel took a deep breath. "You then added that it's because the boys do not wear clothing at our camp and they serve others. I can only deduce that you follow the old adage that the clothes make the man, or, in this case, that the lack of clothes establishes the status of the boys. I would remind everyone that the law in this state allows boys below a certain age to go without clothing. That law was passed long before slavery was reintroduced in this state. Unfortunately, nude boys have become associated with slavery; however . . . ." Before Daniel could continue, he felt a hand on his arm. Daniel looked and saw Mary Holmes standing next to him. He could read the anger in her expression.
"I'm sorry, Daniel, I don't think you can really answer this the way it needs to be answered. With your permission, and Elizabeth's, I would like to answer this." When Daniel saw the determination, and the pleading, in her eyes, he took a step backwards.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mary Holmes. I asked Daniel to let me address the lady's question. Daniel is the head of New Horizons and, while he may be better qualified to answer, he must show diplomacy and restraint with his answers. I do not carry that burden." There was a moment of light laughter; Mary paused for the audience to become quiet and focus.
"I guess my explanation did give a little cause for some laughter. However, the subject matter is anything but funny. You may be wondering why I am qualified to answer the lady's question. That's easy; two of the Cherubs walking among you are my sons. One of those sons, my oldest, was saved from the streets, and possible enslavement, by Daniel Thompson and New Horizons. He was also responsible for returning my son to me.
"If you re wondering how my son got out there in the first place, I'll tell you. I was married to the biggest jerk and jackass in this state. When his oldest son did not measure up to his expectations, he threw him out. I thought it was a simple argument, but I was wrong. I didn't know if I would ever see my child again. There were only three things I could do, and did them all. I cried; I prayed; and I threw the son of a bitch out."
Daniel stood to the side and listened. Mary spoke with force and conviction. She made eye contact, particularly with the ladies in the audience. Many in the audience, again the ladies, were nodding their heads.
"Clay was picked up during a police raid of abandoned buildings in downtown Orlando; that's a long way from our home in Boca Raton. Thankfully, the police captain didn't like the idea of turning the boys over to the state. By then, New Horizons was established and had the support of state government. New Horizons welcomed the boys and gave them a safe haven. Daniel had Clay write me to let me know he was okay and safe. There were phone calls . . .visits . . .the exchange of information. It didn't take long before I had my oldest son back, and my other son had his older brother back. We are here today because we feel indebted to Daniel and New Horizons. Some of these boys are Clay's friends and he wanted to show his support for them. Marich wanted to show his support for his big brother."
Mary felt a presence. When she turned, her sons were standing on either side. She put a hand on their shoulders and gave each a loving kiss on the cheek. Both boys blushed while showing their pride and love for her.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get up here and be so long winded. I'm not even the one that's supposed to be speaking." Mary turned to Elizabeth, who gave her the signal to continue. "I would like to say to you, in answer to the lady's questions, and many others, what is really on my mind and in my heart.
"Not long ago I read a short story titled "The Greatest Design Of Them All". The title may sound a little strange, but it was written by someone who loves children. It's the story of when God designed the first boy. It tells of the beauty, both physical and spiritual, that was intended to be in each boy. They were created to be admired, to be loved and to love. There's not the first mention of clothing in the story.
"There's another book written by a well known member of the clergy. In his book, he tells us that nothing that God created can be anything but beautiful; that includes all people. He also tells us that we are born pure, but many of us became corrupted somewhere along the way. A simple statement in the book says it is sinful to look upon and admire the nude form, only when the mind of the observer has been corrupted, and becomes evil. At home, my sons go nude almost all of the time and I feel blessed to be able to admire them, love them, and share their beauty with the world."
Mary's voice trailed off as she turned to admire her sons. There was a tear running down her cheek. Daniel looked at the audience and recognized that Mary had made that special contact with her audience. Mary returned her attention to the audience.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get up here and lecture everyone, but someone needs to say what I am about to say. You ask what Daniel's plans are for these boys. I ask you, what are our plans for these boys? When I say 'our', I mean us, all of us in this studio, all of us watching on television, all of us who are mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents. Do we not have a responsibility to our children? Do we not owe them the opportunity to grow and develop and become strong citizens? Again, when I say 'we', I mean all of us. We created this evil thing called slavery that crushes and strangles, not only our children, but families and society as a whole. I don't know what the governor has planned, but I do know this: it's time to do away with this evil and begin protecting our children, our future. Each and everyone one of you; I encourage you to pick up the telephone and call the governor, or your elected representative, and express your feelings. Tell them that this has gone far enough. Tell them to end it and provide for those who have already suffered from our stupidity and greed. Most of all, when you go home, if you have a child at home, hug them. If your child is not at home, then call them and tell them that you love them."
Grandpa Smith sat in the dining room, waiting for Daniel and the boys. Most of the seniors were already in the room. Someone had turned on the television to watch Elizabeth's show and was astounded by Mary's lecture. Word quickly spread through the senior section and many gathered in the dining area to watch, and listen.
Danny and the other two little ones were the first to enter. Danny led his friends to the spot where they always stood to say hello to the older people. Behind the little ones came TJ and Evan, who walked straight to Grandpa. Daniel entered next, followed by the rest of the boys. Mary and Linda entered last, escorted by Mary's boys. When Mary entered, the seniors erupted in applause and cheers, all to Mary's embarrassment.
"Well, young lady," Grandpa greeted Mary with a smile, "seems you've made yourself into quite a celebrity."
"Oh, no," Mary responded, flush with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to do that and I know I probably said way too much. I'm lucky they didn't use a shepherd's hook on me."
"Are you kidding? Evidently, you haven't seen the 12:00 o'clock news. You are one of the lead stories. Everyone is talking about how the mother of a boy who was about to be a slave stood up before an audience and told them the truth. No one has ever told the people that child slavery is their own fault and up to them to straighten out. All I can say to you is, bravo! I can't wait to find out how the governor's switchboard lights up."
Clinton Thorpe, the hospital administrator, entered and greeted Daniel and his guests. Thorpe invited Daniel, Mary, and the rest of the adults, to join him for lunch. As they sat at a special table set just for them, TJ and Evan left with Grandpa.
"Grandpa, did Ms. Mary really do that good?" Evan asked after they were in a private room.
"Boys, that lady showed more spit and fire and plain internal fortitude than any politician I've seen in a long time. The other networks even carried the story, that's how good she was. Now," Grandpa changed the subject, "just how good are you boys gonna be today?"
"As good as we feel right now, we're good for two or three big loads, Grandpa," Evan answered, smiling from ear to ear. "You want me ta dance for ya while you and TJ play some?"
"We'll get to that in a minute. First, I wanted to talk to you boys 'bout something that's kinda serious. I don't mean to put a damper on our fun, but there's a special favor I want to ask of you two."
"Sure, Grandpa, anything you want. We'll do anything for you." TJ answered, enthusiastically.
Grandpa couldn't help but smile. He fought to suppress the tears welling up in his eyes.
"You boys know that I'm here 'cause I'm sick, very sick. I don't sit in this chair and wear this tube in my nose for the fun of it or 'cause it makes me look good. The truth is, my lungs are eaten up and they won't get any better." Evan looked at the old man and couldn't help but shed a tear; he knew where this was going. TJ and Evan instinctively reached for the other's hand.
"Now don't start gettin' all slobbery on me. I'm not sayin' anything that we didn't already know. What I'm tryin' to do right now is tell you boys thank you. There's not many young boys that'd be willin' to spend time with an old man like me. You two have made what I'm goin' through tolerable, more than tolerable. Havin' you two around has been one of the real bright spots in my life."
Grandpa had to pause and reach for a tissue to wipe the tears off Evan's cheek.
"Evan, stop it. What I wanted to tell you is that I've talked with Daniel and when the time comes for you two to head off for college, well, let's just say arrangements have been made. I want you boys to promise me that whatever you choose to do when you're grown, you be sure you do good and don't forget Daniel and what he's tryin' to do for you kids. You also need to promise me that when I'm gone, no tears. You be sure to tell people that he was an old man that knew how to play and show a guy a good time. Can you do that for me?"
"I don't know, Grandpa," TJ interrupted. "Maybe you need ta show us how ta have that good time, just ta refresh our memories."
"Listen, you young colt. You lay your naked butt out on that bed over there and this old man'll show ya how ta ride a wild mustang. Let's see if you can keep up with me. I bet I can do a little roto-rootering on another young butt at the same time."
"Yes, sir!" The boys responded simultaneously as they jumped up on the bed.
Grandpa laughed at the boys' antics as TJ lay on his back with Evan settling on his knees next to his lover. Grandpa rose from his wheelchair and quickly discarded his robe and pajamas. Climbing up on the bed, straddling TJ, Grandpa reached out for the boys' packages. Wrapping a warm hand around each penis, Grandpa smiled within himself as the boys quickly responded to his touch. Immediately, the boys reached out and began to play with Grandpa's wrinkled manhood, coaxing it to a firmness intended to give pleasure.
Evan retrieved a tube of lubricant from the side table and heavily coated TJ's boyhood which was now standing tall, throbbing with each beat of the boy's heart. Evan then placed a glob on two fingers and inserted them into Grandpa's hole, preparing him for the ride. When Grandpa thought he was ready, he moved so he was directly over TJ leaking rod. Reaching under and gently holding the object of his desire, Grandpa lowered himself until he sat on TJ's pelvic bone. Rocking to and fro, slowly, Grandpa signaled Evan to straddle TJ.
Grandpa placed a glob of lube on his first two fingers. Experience told him that Evan would not need too much loosening before he could be comfortably penetrated. Grandpa took his time, teasing Evan's prostate, and enjoyed hearing the whimperings and moans from the two teens. TJ lay on the bed trying to hump himself deeper into Grandpa, but it was Grandpa that kept control and teased until TJ became a whimpering puppy. When he was ready, Grandpa took Evan by the hips and gently eased the boy onto the highly experienced pole. Evan worked his inner muscles, seeking to give Grandpa all the pleasure he could.
"Now boys, it's time to ride."
The adults watched as the boys disappeared with Grandpa. No one said anything; everyone knew about the relationship between the three. TJ and Evan were good for Grandpa, and the old man thought the boys were truly special. What they did was fully consensual and harmed no one.
Thorpe and his guests were served coffee while the seniors were being served their lunch. Thorpe and his guests would be the last to be served their lunch. Thad and Jack approached the table pushing a cart that held a tray for coffee service. Jack handed Mary her cup.
"Thank you, Jack." Mary made a big deal out of Jack giving her the cup. She wrapped an arm around the boy's waist and asked, "Are you going to be bringing me my lunch today?"
"Yes'm," Jack answered, speaking barely above a whisper and showing the shyness typical of an eight year old.
"Well, I really do appreciate that. By the way, have I told you how nice you look dressed as a Cherub? I saw a lot of people at the television station admiring you this morning."
Jack blushed even more, if that was possible. The boy loved the attention, but was thankful when Thad told him they had to go serve lunch at the other tables.
"Mary, I think you deliberately said that to embarrass that poor boy," Thorpe teased.
"And I would say that you are probably right," Mary answered. "There's something special about the innocence of little boys that I just can't resist." Mary then turned to Daniel.
"Daniel, I hope you understand that I meant every word I said to all those people. It is time for the rest of us to do something."
"Why is it I have this feeling that you want to tell me what you think that 'something' should be?" Daniel smiled and waited.
"Ever since Clay has been home, I hear all the time about New Horizons, you, and the boys. He won't tell me much about what happened while he was on the street, but it doesn't take much imagination for me to figure it out. One night, I was sitting on the sofa and he came into the room. When he sat near me I put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him into me. I held him as tightly as I could. For a few minutes, we didn't say anything. I needed to hold him and I think he needed for me to.
"I told him that I wouldn't ever make him tell me about the time he was on the street. I also told him that I wasn't naïve and understood what he probably had to do to survive. Then I told him how proud of him I was for being strong enough to survive and that I would always love him, no matter what.
"That night, I'm not sure if it would be correct to say that a wall between us came down, or that a special bonding took place, maybe both. Almost every night, after Marich went to bed, Clay would come to me and we talked. It felt amazing, a good kind of amazing, for me to be able to hold my first born in my arms again. He would walk in as naked as the day he was born, lie on the sofa and place his head in my lap. He told me how he would be scared and some of the other boys would try to give him support. We talked a lot. We also cried a lot." Mary paused a moment, wiping a tear from her eyes.
"One of the things he told me was that he had a boyfriend. At first he was just a friend, then he was the boyfriend, and Clay finally told me they had been together. It took a lot of trust, love, and fortitude for him to tell me that. I know who the boy is. I also know there is a younger boy that would need to be in the picture. For a reason I can't quite express, the idea of having Clay's boyfriend, and another younger boy, in our home seems right.
"Daniel, I want to get qualified as a foster parent. At least enough that I can have custody of those two boys. Of course, that's assuming they will want the same thing. I want to invite Thad and Jack to come home with us for a short visit. I'll bring them back for the fall festival. I think we'll be able to find out if it can work for all of us. I need your permission, and help, to do it."
Three luncheon plates were placed in one of the senior center's reading rooms. Daniel had Jack and Thad join him for lunch so they could talk. Daniel wanted the boys to thoroughly understand that it was alright for them to say 'yes' if they were invited to visit friends. They would only be gone a few days and return for the fall festival.
Both boys looked uncertain. They didn't understand why someone would invite them to visit for a few days. When Daniel explained who it was, the boys became excited.
While Daniel talked to Thad and Jack, Mary had Clay and Marich join her in another room. Mary explained to the boys that she wanted to invite Thad and Jack for a visit. She explained that she was doing it because she understood that Clay and Thad were close friends. She did not tell the boys of her idea that the visit could become more than just a few days. Neither did Mary express her concern, to the boys or to Daniel, that she wanted to see how Marich reacted to the boys being in their home. She knew that Marich could become jealous and feel abandoned; that would be trouble.
When it was time to leave, Mary stood with her four naked Cherubs as they watched the vans leave with the other boys. Some of the boys were staring out the back windows and waving to their friends. There had been lots of laughs, back slaps and teasing, mixed with a few tears when the boys learned that Thad and Jack would be staying with Mary and her sons for a few days. Even though they said it was only a visit, all the boys knew the deep wish they all had and wished Thad and Jack the best.
Mary noticed that her boys were attracting quite a few stares. The boys were still young enough to go nude if they chose. Most kids were nude only around their neighborhoods and dressed when they went out. Mary laughed to herself and enjoyed seeing the boys' excitement; they didn't care if they were nude or who saw them.
"Boys, we seem to be attracting more than our share of stares. Maybe we should leave now?" Mary told the boys.
"That's 'cause it's like you said, Mom, we're such a great design and so beautiful," Clay answered, laughing.
Mary just took a deep breath and opened the car door. 'Boys!' she thought. 'What have I gotten myself into?'
"Hey, Mom," Marich called out. "I'm not the youngest anymore. I got a little brother, if only for a few days."
"That's right, and I expect you to assume the responsibilities of a big brother now."
Marich's only answer was to place a protective hand on Jack's shoulder and smile.
End Ch 104
To Be Continued
Comments welcome: contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com