Hey all.. a new chapter and a possible new direction for the guys... how's that for a cliffhanger.. and I haven't even started the story yet. Then again, I haven't had a good cliffhanger in a year or so... =) Comments as always... backbayguy@juno.com
CHAPTER ONE:
Renaissance touched down gently as a feather on the tarmac of Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. After a particularly rough six weeks of business travel for both the company-
Stonewolf Enterprises and the hotels that Nick owned, both were in need of some down time. Maintaining their commitment of never being apart, the two were flying together back and forth between St. Thomas and the resort to Boston, Switzerland and Las Vegas; as well as Los Angeles, Miami, and Munich. While their love of being together was evident, the travel time that could have been halved by flying separately was taking its' toll; even on immortals not to mention the flight crew and equipment. Nick had found a resort online while surfing one day and thought it looked awesome. After showing Jonathan, they decided that a few days at the Boulders Resort would be the perfect down time. Jonathan called Brandon and he had made all the arrangements for them. They included a one bedroom private casa for the two of them and four other surrounding casas for security and the staff. Now as Renaissance arrived in general aviation, its' four engines shutting down, the two prepared for their down time.
"Did you see those mountains on the way in?" asked Nick as he was changing into cargo shorts and a polo shirt. "They looked amazing. So different from the mountains I grew up with in Colorado."
"Looks like it will be a beautiful place" said Jonathan as he picked up his wallet and watch. "I haven't been to the desert in winter in years. It should be nice."
He walked over to one of the micro computers in the headboard of the bed and hit enter. "According to the all knowing thing here, it is 12:45 pm and 84 degrees, headed for 87 today"
"Suntan" said Nick coming up behind Jonathan and kissing him on the back of his neck. "I'm looking forward to some down time with you. It's been a crazy couple of weeks"
Jonathan turned around and gave Nick a slightly more serious kiss. " I know babe. Even I've got a bit of jet lag"
"That's got to be a first" said Nick with a smile. He walked over and looked out a window. "Looks like the Hummers are ready. You did say Brandon told the resort we were going to have company?"
The two walked out of the bedroom area of the plane holding hands and headed toward `the center doors where they could see Brandon, Mark and Danny waiting.
"Yeah he took care of it; although I serious doubt the bellstaff is expecting two blacked out armored Hummers and a few others to boot."
"Of course they are" said Danny as they approached. "I've had an advance team on property for 24 hours"
"I should have known" said Nick rolling his eyes in mock fun.
"Behave junior" said Danny with a smile. Over the years, the relationships between Nick, Jonathan and Danny had gone from bodyguard and protectee to friends. Danny still called the shots on a fair amount of things where their travel and such went, but Nick had come to respect Danny for the job he did. Immortal or not, he realized that he needed protecting. Jonathan's vast empire was more then enough reason that either one of them or their staff could be held hostage.
"We all set?" asked Jonathan as he looked out the door. Two of the security staff were waiting on the stairs of the plane. As he walked out and looked down, he could see some curious stares from the airport ground staff. "Damn the sun is bright here". He put on a pair of sunglasses. After one more look around, Danny let them descend from the plane. Any further curious looks from the ground staff were quickly banished by the number of obvious security around them.
"Yes we are" said Danny as they were walking down. "The plane is being taking care of for the time by American Airlines and will be watched over by the company. It is me, Jeff and Michael on you guys, 4 others around the place, and Erik is driving as usual."
"Long as we don't go off roading" said Jonathan with a smile, getting into the Hummer.
"I heard that boss" said Erik holding the door open for them. "Do you have any idea how much fun it could be cruising the desert in this thing?"
"I'm sure" said Jonathan. Nick had snuggled over next and was practically on his lap as they started for the resort. "What's with you? You playing Sebastian since he isn't here?"
" I'm sure he is fine and dandy hanging out in the plane. Maybe he should have stayed in Key West with Karen and Anthony though. Besides, I'm horny" said Nick with a smile. "You didn't give me any this morning"
"We'll take care of that oversight later babe" giving him a kiss. "I'm sure we can find some private time for that"
"I should damn well hope so" said Nick, running his hand suggestively over Jonathan's crotch. "You know how I get if I don't get some every 12 hours or so"
"Horndog" said Jonathan squirming as his pants started to get a bit tight.
CHAPTER TWO:
"Look at those cactus" said Nick looking out the window of the Hummer. "That's fucking wild"
"Yeah it is." Said Jonathan. "One hell of a dildo"
"Ouch!" said Nick laughing.
After an almost 45 minute drive, they pulled into the front entrance of Boulders and approached the security gates. The security officer on duty gave them an obvious look-two blacked out Hummers in a line followed by two other cars that were equally blacked out. The "company"-Jonathan's security company that he now owned for a few years-had provided additional transportation for his staff. After getting passes they were directed to the main lodge to check in. Driving through the desert, they passed various fairways of the two golf courses.
"Maybe we can get a round or two in" said Jonathan.
"You live to make my life Hell don't you boss?" said Danny.
"You love golf" said Jonathan.
"Yeah, when I'm playing. Not chasing you two all over the place"
"My golf is not that bad" said Jonathan. "I rarely leave the fairway"
"You know what I mean" said Danny.
The two Hummers approached the front of the lodge and stopped. A valet opened the door for Eric and said "Welcome to the Boulders may I take your car?"
"I don't think so" said Erik as all 6'3" 235 pounds of him got out of the Hummer, his jacket opening to reveal the .357 magnum that was with him at all times. "We will handle the arrangements for the Hummers and other cars; if you would be so kind as to just point out where they can be parked."
"Of course sir" said the valet, looking at the rest of the security team that had gotten out, surrounding the cars. He watched with curiosity as Nick and Jonathan got out of the lead Hummer and were escorted to the front. The valet crew had seen many VIP's come to Boulders and some with security; but never the likes of the guys who were doing this security detail. The two doormen opened the front doors leading to the lobby, making sure to be obvious about having their hands in plain sight. Nick and Jonathan were preceded into the lobby areas by Brandon and two security agents. Danny and Jeff were with Nick and Jonathan, with Michael and one other bringing up the rear. One other agent stood by the Hummers as did Erik.
After a very brief check in they were transported to their casas by a somewhat nervous staff. Jonathan frowned at seeing two others, who were obviously from the advance team standing in front of their place.
"Danny we gotta talk about scaring the locals" said Jonathan. "Can't we work on some less then totally frightening guys here?"
"I'll see what I can do" said Danny. Both of them knew it wasn't going to happen.
After settling into their residence, they decided to take a walk around the grounds. Danny of course offered objections.
"We're in the middle of the desert Danny" said Jonathan as they walked out of the door. "Not to mention it is one of the top resorts in America, there are seven of you that I know of, all of whom I don't want on this walk, and you're all frigging armed. You can shoot the first road runner that comes near us looking dangerous."
"Hrm" came the only reply.
Compromising on three agents, the two set off. "God this is beautiful" said Jonathan as they walked through the desert paths.
"Yeah but not as beautiful as you are" said Nick slipping his hand into Jonathan's.
"That earns you a kiss" said Jonathan. "How about we head over to the golf club for a late lunch"
"Sounds good"
Walking along the paths, they were suddenly surrounded by the massive sounds of chirping and chattering. As they stood still on the path a flock of what was close to one hundred quail came across their path, running in between and around them chattering and chirping. It was one of the funniest sights any of them had seen. It was just the thing to start off a relaxing time that both Nick and Jonathan had needed. Continuing on to the golf club the stress of the previous two weeks was melting off the two.
"God, I can't wait to get to the pool and work on my tan" said Nick.
"So you wanna do that and order room service from the pool instead of going to the Club Grill?" asked Jonathan
"Would you mind?" asked Nick, looking at Jonathan with the same look he had the first time they had met.
"No problem" said Jonathan, knowing full well that he couldn't ever say no to Nick when he looked like that.
The group changed directions and headed back to the casas. Changing quickly, they headed over to the Golden Door Spa and out to that pool knowing that it would be less crowded and more peaceful then the main pool. Danny, Jeff, and Michael discretely positioned themselves around the pool area to be as unobtrusive as possible. Which was to say it was not working; but had the desired effect that Danny wanted. Even dressed in cargo shorts, his shirt off and a fanny pack containing his weapon, he still stood out for what he was; PROTECTION. Nick found two loungers next to one another and dropped off their stuff while Jonathan dropped into the Jacuzzi. Taking off his shirt he walked over to the Jacuzzi, well aware of the stares of both men and women. Since his change into immortality his body had been transformed into something even more near perfect that Jonathan's was. Standing at 6'2" and 187 pounds, his immortal body had less then 3% body fat. Deeply corded abdominal muscles formed a perfect 8 pack above the low rise shorts he was wearing. His chest was broad and muscled without being over bulging. Small dark nipples were set deep into his chest. A trail of thick hair went for about an inch above his belly button. The rest of his upper body was completely and naturally smooth. His legs were dusted with the same thick dark hair. Jonathan watched him walk across the pool deck with amazement in his eyes at how beautiful he was.
"Damn baby" he said as Nick got into the Jacuzzi with him. "We gotta keep you out of the public's eye. I want you all to myself."
"So a few people are looking at me" said Nick. "You're pretty damn fine yourself you know"
"Yeah I know" said Jonathan running a hand over his own chest and abs." I think you got the better end of the body work in this immortality gig though."
"That's cuz I'm younger" said Nick with a smirk, relaxing in the swirling waters. "Nice thing about this body is that it can't burn either. Only tan"
CHAPTER THREE:
After having lunch on the deck and lounging out for a few hours they returned to their residence. Jonathan had turned on the shower and gotten into the large stall when he felt Nick come up behind him. Nicks hands slowly encircled Jonathan's waist and he pushed up against him; his erection slipping between Jon's legs.
"It's beautiful here man" said Nick as he hands played with Jonathan's body. "I could stay here for a hell of a long time"
"Yeah me too" said Jonathan, pushing back against Nick's body. "I know there is property here on the private members side. Maybe we could build a house"
"That sounds like a great idea" said Nick. "You have any other great ideas?"
Jonathan didn't answer but turned around and kissed Nick, his tongue entering the younger man's mouth. Nick moaned as he returned the kiss, he hands wandering over Jonathan's body. For long minutes the two continued to kiss and fondle each other under the streaming hot water. Jonathan finally reached around Nick and turned off the water. Opening the shower door, he pulled a large fluffy towel from the rack and began to dry them off. The two continued, their bodies almost joined, into the bedroom falling on the bed. Rolling Nick over, Jonathan trailed his tongue down Nick's back to come to rest between his ass cheeks. Despite having hairy legs and pubes, his ass was naturally smooth. Jonathan began to work his tongue up and down the crack slowly probing and penetrating the tight ass. The few stray black hairs surrounding the hole made it only that much sexier to Jonathan.
Nick reared up and pushed his ass back against Jonathan's mouth. "More man, work that tongue in me"
For ten minutes Jonathan probed and worked his tongue and then adding fingers into the ass. Finally with a moan, Nick started humping the bed as his cock unloaded. As he started to shoot Jonathan moved up and in one thrust slammed his cock deep into Nick's ass. Thrusting in and out he began to kiss Nick's neck. Nick continued to moan as his load began to drop off but his sensitized nerves screamed in pleasure. He heard Jonathan moan and felt the hot cum unload in his ass.
As the two came off their sexual highs, Nick rolled out from underneath Jonathan and lay next to him. The two rolled towards each other and began a gentle kissing. For long minutes the two reveled in each other's presence before slipping off into a nap.
CHAPTER FOUR:
After dinner in one of the many restaurants on the resort property, the two decided to head over to one of the bars called "On the Rocks". It was a very laid back place, with a large balcony outside, with two fireplaces. Inside was a large open space, black bar, and many TV's about the room. It made for a relaxing evening as they shared a bottle of wine and just talked. Brandon and Mark came over a while later and sat down with them; their own security guys blending in with the rest of the crew that was there.
"This is an incredible place" said Mark.
"Yeah, junior did a good job finding it" said Jonathan ruffling Nick's hair. This garnered him a less then pleasant look.
"It is beautiful that's for sure" said Brandon. "It should make for a relaxing few days"
"You guys get all settled in along with the everyone else?" asked Jonathan sipping his wine. He offered Brandon and Mark a glass but they declined deciding on ordering drinks instead.
"Yes, everyone is all accounted for." Said Brandon. "The casitas here are incredibly large and beautiful. We are surrounded by the security team; the resort was very accommodating in doing what we needed as far as rooms and such. Captain Hendrickson and the crew are actually staying in downtown Phoenix. He wanted to be close to the plane."
"Sounds good" said Jonathan, looking for the waiter and ordering a second bottle of wine. As his eyes wandered around the room he came back to looking at Brandon and Mark. It was becoming obvious that the two of them had something going on. Both were kind of restless.
"Something on your mind Brandon?" asked Jonathan. Nick took note of what was going on and put his glass down. "If you get any more restless you are going to flip out of your chair. You have one too many espressos with dinner tonight?"
"No not really" said Brandon, clearing his throat. He looked at Mark who shrugged. "Just been meaning to tell you something. Mark and I have become a couple so to speak"
Jonathan just stared over his wine glass. Nick looked at the two of them, over to Jonathan and back at them.
"So, what's your point?" asked Jonathan quietly. "I've seen that for about six months now. Why tell us? You guys planning on leaving the company and doing something else with your lives together?"
"Oh God no" they both said at the same time, then laughed "We just felt it was time that you knew. It was Nick's insistence that got Mark transferred from the resort in St. Thomas. We've been working closely together for some time now, we've both been on both sides of the fence so to speak, and it just sort of happened." Brandon took Mark's hand in his and held it. "You two have given us a lot of inspiration and we just wanted to say thank you and hope that you will not have a problem with it"
Jonathan glanced over at Nick who gave him a cocky `I told you so' look. He then looked back at the two of them. "You guys should know I'd never have a problem with that. Both of you are top of the field in what you do for us. What you do in your own time is your own business. You know you can always come to me with anything you need. In fact, I think this calls for a celebration of sorts. We're headed back up to Vegas in a couple of days. Why don't you go ahead and make the arrangements for a player's suite or something at the Casino of your choice and take some time off and just spend it together. The company has a major line of credit at all of the large casinos. Take the Id's that you need and go have some fun"
The two of them looked at Jonathan and smiled speechless. As long as they had both come to know Jonathan and his generosity for his staff, this was above anything they had expected. A few days or so between the accommodations and gambling and food and such would reach a half a million or more easily depending on where they went. This was a gift beyond recognition for them.
Brandon looked at Mark then the two of them back at Jonathan. "I don't know what to say" he started. "That's way too generous. I mean we're talking some serious bucks."
"Look guys" said Jonathan putting down his glass. "You may do all of my arrangements and such, but I can still pick up a phone. You can handle this and go have an excellent time or I can make a few phone calls and put you in some arrangements of my own that will give you a time beyond your wildest expectations."
Both of them knew that Jonathan was serious. "I'll take care of the arrangements tonight" promised Brandon. "MGM Grand has always been a favorite of mine"
"Use the penthouse we keep leased there then" said Jonathan. "It comes with a 100,000 dollar a day line of credit. Use it. Have some fun"
Neither one could say anything to that. Both just nodded and excused themselves.
Nick took Jonathan's hand in his. "You are amazing you know that?"
"On occasion" said Jonathan, lifting and kissing Nick's hand. "I've known about them since we bailed their asses out of Berlin's finest jail. They deserve it."
CHAPTER FIVE
The next couple of days were spent in the pursuit of leisurely relaxation. Nick and Jonathan spent their time evenly divided between hanging out in their quarters and the spa, where they took daily treatments ranging from massages to Reiki treatments to energy balancing. The counselor who did the energy balancing treatments on Jonathan was freaked out almost beyond words at the power he "felt" coursing though Jonathan's body. Jonathan explained it as being very disciplined. He could tell that it didn't fly.
On the third night of vacation, they decided on the spur of the moment to get off the property and try a restaurant downtown. Jonathan always had a love of Southwestern food and a review in the local paper had peaked his interest. Brandon had called and made reservations for them and got directions. The two Hummers left property with Nick and Jonathan in the first with Danny, Michael and Jeff in the first one and the rest of the security crew in the second. Jonathan grumbled about the need for 8 agents but gave up on the argument. Danny just smiled.
After a half an hour's drive through the night desert they were now in downtown Phoenix. As they headed towards the restaurant, the Hummers were cruising just off the main street of Phoenix when something caught Nick's eye in the shadows.
"Jon!" he said shaking Jonathan's shoulder.
Jonathan was already looking that way out the window. In the shadows, down an alley, what appeared to be a younger man, was being kicked and beaten by a gang of nine or ten guys. All of them were much larger then the one on the ground. Blood was obvious on the sidewalk. Suddenly Jonathan saw a knife flash in the group.
"Danny stop the cars" he said, his voice like stone.
"Already on it boss" said Danny who then spoke rapidly into a radio. The Hummers came to an abrupt halt half on, half off the sidewalk about a half block away. In a flash, He, Michael, and Jeff were out of the Hummer. Eric was out of the Hummer as well, gun drawn, standing near the door as Nick and Jonathan got out.
"We've got to help" said Nick starting to head over. He was stopped by Eric's hand on his shoulder.
"Let Danny handle it" said Eric.
Danny and the other two approached the group unseen on the run.
"Standard approach" said Danny, drawing his weapon. "Let's do it"
As they entered the alley, three gunshots rang out in the night. All three rounds slammed into the wall above the group, still beating on the man on the ground, less then an inch above everyone's head.
"Enough shit boys" said Danny, his gun trained on the guy who appeared to be the leader. "Next one is between your eyes"
All of the group had frozen at the gunshots and turned around, expecting to see the police. Seeing the three guys standing there dressed in black with weapons drawn, they weren't quite sure what was going on. The body on the ground just rolled around on the ground in obvious pain.
"What the fuck you want man?" said the leader. "This doesn't concern you"
Danny barely twitched, firing his weapon again, this time the round going into the wall close enough to the man's head to let him feel the passage of the bullet.
"I'm good enough with this thing to take that smirk off your face without killing you." said Danny. "What concerns me is my business"
"Yeah whatever bitch" said the man. "You think you're the big man with the gun. What about without it?"
"Oh Lord, wrong answer" said Jonathan to himself watching the events unfold having approached the alleyway.
"OK asshole" said Danny, glancing at Michael and Jeff "Playtime"
Two more guys got out of the second Hummer and walked over. Danny, Michael and Jeff handed their weapons to them and walked up to the group of ten guys. "You wanna try this now?"
The gang members looked at each other and grinned. Ten on three was a piece of cake. Four of them pulled knives.
"Stupid mother fuckers" said Danny, almost sadly.
Less then a minute later, all ten members of the gang were on the ground, with various injuries ranging from bruises and scrapes, to a broken jaw, various broken limbs and one fractured skull from going face first into the wall. Eric had already called 911 and could hear the sirens in the background.
"We kinda need to move here boss" said Eric.
Nick slipped around them and had ran over to the guy on the ground. Jonathan walked up behind him, surrounded by two of the guards.
"How is he?" Asked Jonathan.
Danny gently moved Nick aside and bent down. "He's ruffed up pretty good, but looks OK. Ribs feel bad, though; maybe his nose. He's definitely going to need medical attention. He can't be more then 17 though. I wonder what was going down."
The kid on the ground was in no condition to answer as he continued to lie on the ground curled around his stomach and ribs.
Nick looked up at Jonathan. "Jon?"
Danny looked up at Jonathan and gave him a look. "Not a good idea. Wait for the police. They can handle it."
"Yeah I know, but do it anyway" said Jonathan walking back to Hummer One taking Nick with him. "Put him in Two and get him to the hospital"
Danny nodded at one of the other guards. "Do it"
As the bodyguards lifted the injured man up and took him to Hummer Two as gently as possible, one of the gang members suddenly lunged up and pulled a gun and aimed it at Danny. In what was an unbelievable display of speed Danny whirled and dropped to one knee, pulled his re-holstered weapon and fired two rounds. The rounds took the gang banger in the shoulder, blowing away a good part of bone and muscle. The gun dropped from nerveless fingers as he was thrown back against the wall from the impact of the high powered rounds. A scream split the night from the gang bangers throat before passing out from the shock of the massive wound.
"Bad move" said Danny. "That could have been your head."
"OK let's go" said Jonathan as he pushed Nick in the Hummer. "We don't have time for this shit". The Hummers were gone long before the police arrived to find the gang members.
"Back to the resort Eric" said Jonathan. He looked at Danny. "Now what"
"Now nothing" said Danny, straightening his shirt. "Those guys needed a lesson in humility. They got it. The rounds are untraceable and no one saw us."
"I doubt that" said Jonathan.
"It'll be handled" said Danny. "Don't worry"
CHAPTER SIX
Back at the resort, They walked into the main lodge and headed to the lounge. "I need a drink" said Jonathan. The protection team scattered about the place blending into the evening shadows of the room. The lamps were down low allowing for the natural ambience of the high ceiling in the room to enhance the evening.
A waiter approached their table. "Yes sir, what can I get you?"
"Belvedere Martini for me, three onions" said Jonathan, he looked at Nick. "You?"
"Jack Daniels, no ice" said Nick.
The waiter nodded his understanding and departed silently
"Well, so much for dinner plans" said Jonathan relaxing back into the chair.
"You mad at me?" asked Nick
"Of course not" said Jonathan reaching across and taking Nick's hand. "We couldn't leave him there"
"Good, I was afraid you were upset at me" said Nick in a quiet voice.
"Never" said Jonathan. "I wonder what it was all about"
"I don't know either" said Nick. "Danny was right though. He was pretty young"
Jonathan looked over to see Danny in the shadows by the concierge desk. "Pretty mean shot he did earlier."
"Yeah, he knows his shit" said Nick. "I'm glad he works for us"
The drinks and some snacks were brought to their table. As the two relaxed they talked about the trip up to Las Vegas before heading home.
After finishing his drink, Jonathan called Danny over with a look. "Find out what's happening at the hospital."
Danny nodded and walked towards the lobby to make a call. As Nick and Jonathan were working on their second drinks and looking over a dinner menu, Danny came back.
"The kid is in the ER downtown, but will probably be admitted for a couple of days" said Danny. "Jason, who is in charge of the back up crew now, just to let you know, talked to the doctors a while ago. The kid has 3 possible broken ribs, and a lot of nasty bruises, one cut on his head that will need some stitches and a possible concussion. He also seems to be somewhat dehydrated and underfed. There are some other tests they are doing right now. We got his name and ran it though the home office. It looks like the kid is a runaway from Richmond, Virginia."
"Phoenix is a long way from Richmond" said Nick, nursing his drink. "Wonder what that's all about"
"Thanks for the information Danny" said Jonathan. A shadow of stone briefly passed his facial expression. "Call Jason back and make whatever arrangements are necessary to get the kid taken care of"
"OK" said Danny, turning to return to the lobby. He stopped and came back to the table. "If you're interested his name is Ryan Cardinale"
"Thanks" said Jonathan.
"Hey you OK?" asked Nick.
"Yeah I'm fine" said Jonathan smiling at Nick. "You hungry?"
"I was hungry hours ago" said Nick, "Now I'm buzzed and hungry from two JD's on an empty stomach. Immortals can get drunk you know."
"OK food it is" said Jonathan.
They rose and headed into the main dining room.
The next morning, their last in Phoenix, the two spent a leisurely morning in bed, making love, taking turns bringing each other to orgasm. After breakfast, they went over to the golf club and after some confusion of trying to get the two of them and four bodyguards out onto the North course had a good round of golf. Nick did raise one suspicion during the round as Jonathan rocketed a 325 yard drive around a dog leg on a par 5
"You been digging around looking for psychic golf energy?" he asked as he stepped up to the tee box.
"Nope, just cracked a good drive. The ball goes further out here in the desert" said Jonathan.
"Hrm" said Nick as he hit his own ball into the fairway.
After a shower and a round of fooling around they departed the Boulders and headed back to Sky Harbor.
"How long did you want to stay in Vegas babe?" asked Jonathan.
Once more Nick was sprawled out in the back with his head on Jonathan's lap. Jonathan was stroking his hair.
"When do we have to be anywhere?" he asked. "I'm sure the slave drivers have paperwork up the ying yang for us"
"I don't" said Jonathan. "I told Brandon to hold all paperwork from the time we got at Boulders until tonight before he and Mark take off. Knowing him, he has taken care of 90% of it anyway. They will have it in the suite for us before they take off"
"You need to give him a raise" said Nick.
"I know" said Jonathan.. "They both need one. I'm sure Mark has some stuff for you. I hope they have a good time up there and use the facilities like I told them too."
About 30 minutes, later they arrived at the airport and after some difficulty getting admitted to the general aviation area due to the patrol dogs going slightly nuts at the smell of the weapons in the two Hummers, they drove up to the edge of the tarmac where Renaissance was waiting. The flight engineer was doing a walk around as Captain Hendrickson was waiting at the foot of the stairs. He walked over as Jonathan approached.
"Hi Jon" he said, extending out his hand. "How was vacation?"
"It was good thanks." said Jonathan shaking his hand. "A little bit of excitement for the crew, but it was all good"
"Sounds interesting" said the Captain. Before he could say anything else, a loud shrilling noise came from the top of the jet stairs as Sebastian came flying off them; his tail held high and launched himself at Jonathan. Jonathan caught all 41 pounds of flying fur and would have fallen back if not caught by Danny.
"Damn cat" said Jonathan, "Are you trying to kill me or what?"
Sebastian happily waved his tail as he head butted Jonathan. "You're immortal, you can't die. Now scratch me"
"I may be immortal" said Jonathan scratching the massive cats' ears, "But dying on the tarmac and coming back to life would raise a few eyebrows"
"Details" came the reply. "Scratch harder"
"So, now you're immortal?" asked the Captain a smile on his face.
"Just playing with the cat" said Jonathan, mentally kicking himself for the comment in public.
With a laugh, they all went back up the jet stairs, Sebastian happily wrapped around Jonathan's shoulders.
As they entered the plane, Captain Hendrickson turned to Jonathan. We should be ready to move in about five minutes or so and airborne another ten after that. It's a pretty short hop up to Vegas; call it 45 minutes or so. It's going to be more air traffic then distance."
"Sounds good Don, thanks" said Jonathan, uncoiling the cat and putting him down. As Nick and Jonathan headed towards the front of the plane, the last of the staff and crew came aboard and the plane was prepped for take off.
"That was a pretty cool few days" said Nick dropping on to the couch. Sebastian came over to him and hopped up next to him demanding more attention.
"You're right" said Jonathan, going behind the bar and coming out with two glasses and a bottle of wine. "That is a beautiful resort. I wouldn't mind going back there."
"You going to have a house built there?" asked Nick
"I'm thinking about it" said Jonathan as he sat and began opening the bottle of wine. "I had forgotten how powerful and beautiful the desert can be"
The two chatted aimlessly as the plane began to move and head towards the runways. Soon Renaissance was airborne for Las Vegas.
"Any show you want to see in particular while we're here?" asked Jonathan.
"I don't know" said Nick "We've seen most of them. I'm up for just hanging around over at the beach by Treasure Island or something; doing a little blackjack"
"Works for me" said Jonathan handing him a glass of wine.
As they relaxed, there was a knock on the door and Brandon walked in, the ever present mug of coffee in his hand.
"I hear you guys had a little excitement last night in Phoenix" he said by way of greeting.
"Not as much excitement as the gang members did." said Nick.
"I called the hospital a little while ago" said Brandon sitting down in a chair as the plane began its' take off roll. " Ryan-the kid you rescued- is doing OK. A second set of x rays shows that only one rib was actually broken, the other two show slight fractures. I guess the swelling distorted the x-rays. Kinda strange. Anyway, the concussion is minor and he is most likely going to be released into some sort of custody since he is underage and no apparent guardians in the state."
"Has any of the crew talked to him?" asked Jonathan a frown darkening his features.
"Jason left two of the Phoenix guys with him at the hospital" said Brandon. "I don't know how much they have found out"
"Check it out for me" said Jonathan. "Let me know what you find out"
"OK" said Brandon, "I'll let you know in a little while"
"Thanks" said Jonathan.
It was a quick and uneventful trip to Las Vegas. Sebastian as always freaked out as the plane came in for a landing; curled up tightly between Nick and Jonathan on the couch, his head buried beneath the furry tail. As the plane came to a halt in General Aviation, Jonathan picked up the cat.
"OK your majesty" he said, "We're down, on the ground and stopped you can stop shaking now and start purring again"
Sebastian merely gave Jonathan a look of annoyment and proceeded to back flip out of his arms over to Nick who barely managed to catch him.
"We bringing him with us?" asked Nick
"Yeah why not" said Jonathan scratching the cats' ears once more. "We own the place where we are staying"
"You would think I would garner a little more respect then that" came the voice of Sebastian in both of their heads. The two just laughed.
As they walked back from the lounge to the doors Brandon approached them.
"I got the info you wanted" said Brandon. "Ryan isn't saying much about why he was in Phoenix and not Virginia, or what happened. He is going to be released into state custody because he is still a minor. The authorities have been unable to reach his parents in Virginia"
Jonathan paused for a moment looking out the doors of the aircraft. In the distance the skyline of downtown shimmered in the desert heat. His eyes caught the outlines of the New York New York casino. For the second time in two days a stony look crossed his face; even Nick caught the chill of it. He shuddered to himself.
"Have Jason and the crew head up this way" said Jonathan as they walked out the door and going down the stairs the waiting limo. "America West and Southwest both have flights up here. Tell them to bring Ryan with them."
"Actually the G-V is still in Phoenix" said Brandon. "I had it flown out there in case we needed it for something."
"OK" said Jonathan as they got in the limo. "Send everyone up here with it"
"You know the authorities aren't going to be pleased" said Brandon. "They are already less then thrilled with armed men outside his room and no idea who is paying for it"
"See that it stays that way too" said Jonathan, and edge in his voice. "It's important"
"You got it boss" said Brandon, a curious look on his face but keeping his silence. "I'll see you up in hotel before we leave"
"What are you up to?" asked Nick as the limo left the airport grounds "What do you have in mind?"
"I don't know yet" said
Jonathan staring out the window. "When I know.. you will know"
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