Welcome to Gayberry

Welcome to Gayberry – 58

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58

Randy woke with the sunlight streaming through the oversized windows and French doors of the big bedroom. He also realized he was alone in the big bed. He felt completely rested and took a quick three minute shower and brushed his teeth, dressing in a pair of sweat pants and a tee shirt. As he started down the stairs he heard the sound of boys coming from the kitchen. The sound alone made him smile, but not as bit a smile as when he walked into the giant kitchen, receiving energetic hugs from Dopie, Billy Paul,and Pepe.

"My daddy called last night, sheriff!" Pepe said excitedly. "All the way from the Honduras. He and mommy will be bringing my brothers home tomorrow night! I can't hardly wait. And they said they are also bringing a surprise!"

"How exciting, son!" the sheriff said, picking the boy up in his long, muscled arms. "I know you're ready to see `em. I know they must have missed you too. Who wouldn't miss such a sweet, tasty boy?"

When he set Pepe down, Dopie was in his arms. He picked him up too and kissed him.

"I'm sorry, paw," he said. "I tried to wait up to hug you good night but I just couldn't make it. It weren't from lack of tryin' though. I really missed you."

"I missed you too, son" the sheriff said. "I came in and checked on you but you was sound asleep with Kurt and Rafe.

"Yes, sir, paw" the boy said. "They read us a couple of stories and we played some board games. We had a real good time, paw. I shore do like havin' them here with us."

Once he set Dopie down, Billy Paul was in line for a hug. The sheriff picked him up too. He thought the boy seemed a little sad this morning and not his usual boisterous self.

"Are you okay, Billy Paul?" the sheriff asked.

"Yes, sir," the boy said but Randy could tell the boy was on the verge of tears. He discretely carried him into the library and closed the door.

"Billy Paul, is anything wrong, son?" the sheriff asked as a big tear rolled down the boy's face. "You know you can tell me."

"It's silly, sheriff," the boy said. "I just miss my dad. He called last night and it felt good to talk to him. I was okay until we went to bed and it got all quiet and I realized he wasn't in the house. I felt really scared but then I felt Rafe put his arm around me and I wasn't scared any more. I just feel sad that my dad isn't here."

"Son, I understand completely" the sheriff said. "I felt the same way all day yesterday. I call it `out of sorts'. I ain't had many friends like your daddy and when he was gone yesterday, I just kind of didn't feel like myself. I didn't want to get any work done and food just didn't taste as good as when he's there. Is that kind of how you felt?"

"Yes, sir," the boy said. "That's exactly it. I didn't know I'd feel so sad until he wasn't here. I guess it kind of surprised me to feel that."

"Me too, son" the sheriff said. "But your dad will be home today and I know he'll be ready for some hugs. Are you okay now?"

"Yes, sir," the boy said. "And thank you for letting me say how I felt. I think it was you and him being away at bedtime. I don't like that so much. When dad's gone and you're here I feel okay cause you're so much like my dad. But when things got quiet and I knew neither one of you was here under the roof with me...I don't know...it just didn't feel right."

"Don't worry, son," the sheriff said. "Your paw is doin' some real important work for the governor so I can't promise that it won't never happen again. I can promise we'll try to make sure that at least one of us is here and you can always go the the doctor. He'll understand them feelin's you was havin'. Okay?"

"Okay" the boy said. "And thanks again."

The boy took off again for the kitchen, seemingly back to normal.

Randy walked back into the busy kitchen where the doctor was finishing breakfast. He nodded toward the stove where Kurt, Rafe, and Phillip were busy finishing the bacon.

"It's like there was never a break in their friendship" the doctor said. "I wish you could have seen Kurt's eyes when he first saw Phillip this morning. I thought it was going to be awkward because they just stood there for almost a minute, not saying anything and just eyeing each other. Then tears began in both boys' eyes and they started hugging. That's when Rafe recognized Phillip too. Since then, they've been tight. I think they all three probably have some terrible memories they've repressed, but time will tell. Jimmy and Mark seem very accepting too but I think there'll be a special bond between Kurt, Phillip and Rafe because of their shared background, ugly as it was. I'm reviewing a list of counselors to come and work with the boys and I expect to make a decision later today."

"If I haven't told you lately, Doc, I sure am grateful for you" the sheriff said. "I feel like I learn from you every day and I would be totally out to sea with these damaged boys if you weren't around. I really am grateful."

"Not nearly as thankful as I am to you and William" the doctor said. "I feel alive again and you can't put a fucking price on that feeling."

Randy went over and got hugs from Jimmy and Mark who were setting the table with the help of the younger boys. He also got hugs from Kurt, Rafe, and Phillip who came into his arms without hesitation.

Breakfast was fun and lively, the younger boys recounting the stories and games from last night. Kurt reported the young ones had all behaved and had gone to bed at bedtime without having to be told a second time. Rafe said how much fun he was having living in a house with other boys and he'd never known how much he'd missed by being an only child. Mark and Phillip had discovered their mutual love of wrestling and Phillip told Mark he planned to try out for the wrestling team. Jimmy said he was planning to try to make the team as well. Gerry said his dad and his uncle had wrestled in college and he loved wrestling with them. He and Mark offered some pointers later and they asked for permission to see if Mark's dad would loan them some mats so they could practice. Randy told the boys that wouldn't be necessary as there was a large basement space not in use at all. Randy said he would arrange to have some mats delivered for the boys' use. That pleased all of them and the younger boys started expressing interest in the sport also. Jimmy asked Phillip if he needed a ride to school and Phillip thanked him but told him he was taking a cut for at least part of the day to go and check on his dad. Jimmy asked if his dad was sick and Phillip very unemotionally told the boys that his dad was under the weather and he felt he should go with the doctor to check on him. The boy betrayed no emotion in telling the boys, which the sheriff admired greatly. The boys cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher in minutes when they were done and Jimmy and Mark loaded the boys and headed to school. Doc, the sheriff, Kurt, Rafe and Phillip took off, stopping first to drop Kurt and Rafe at the clinic where they would work until the doctor got free to join them. They were painting the exam rooms and hoped to finish that project. It was clear the boys didn't want to say goodbye to Phillip and they all exchanged hugs as they left the car.

"Those boys are really hard workers" the doctor said about Rafe and Kurt. "They both graduated early after skipping grades. I don't think either of them realizes his real potential. I'd like to change that. They both need some confidence building. I'm hoping that by the time we finish this project I'll have them interested in attending college. I don't really think either is quite mature enough to live on a campus with other college-age students because of their lack of social interactions. Ideally, I'd like to see both start a program of privately supervised study with the goal of testing out of all their freshman classes. I think that is eminently doable for both of them."

"Doctor, I think you know I already love both of them boys" the sheriff said. "You just tell me what needs doin' and I'll see it's done. Don't worry about the finances. I think there's plenty of money comin' in from that construction company to meet their needs for some time to come. There's no mortgage on the house we're livin in and my old house is paid off. You tell me what's needed and I'll somehow come up with it."

"Fortunately that is not a problem, sheriff" the doctor said. "There's still a shitload of reparation money that my wife and I never got around to spending. There's no better use for it than educating some young folks. I think Greg Bentley is serious about going back to medical school. I'll know for sure if he gets his transcripts to me within a few days. He's a really sharp guy and he has the kind of attitude that would make for a wonderful small town doctor."

"I agree" the sheriff said. "But I also know you got a lot of good years of doctorin' left in you, old man. Now that you're signed on to open a practice here I don't feel nearly so pressed."

"We just never know what might happen and we need to plan for the future when we can. How about you, son? The doctor asked Phillip. "You still okay with paying a visit to your mom and dad? I know Rafe and Kurt would love to have you with them if you aren't up to seeing your parents yet."

"I really am good, doctor but thank you" the boy said. "I think I really need information to sort out where things are with my own parents. There are so many lies and untruths lying around I think I need to make some sense out of it all and I know I'll feel better if I try to figure it out for myself."

"That's a very mature attitude, son," the sheriff said. "You're as smart as you're pretty."

"I'd like to thank both of you for last night" the boy said, blushing lightly. "I felt safer than I ever felt in my life in bed with you two. With all the stuff that happened with my dad and the preacher I never, ever, felt safe. I just felt pain and I felt used and I always felt guilty. But last night I felt loved. It's real clear that you men love boys and not just to use them. Thank you for letting me share that."

"Son, we only want you to feel safe" the doctor said. "Some people might think what we did was wrong but you were a boy in need of affection and the sheriff and I were happy to share that affection. You're a handsome man and it was a pleasure for both of us to dot hat, but I want to make it clear that you are always entitled and expected to say no to anything you aren't comfortable with."

"Thank you" the boy said. "I was perfectly comfortable with everything that happened and I'd really like to do it atain any time you guys are interested."

The boy blushed deep red at that remark. As they got out of the car at the courthouse, the three again exchanged warm hugs and went into the building. When they walked in, Nellie the pharmacist was again sitting at the deputy's desk with him, her arm draped over his neck.

"What's goin' on here" Randy asked. "You done shut down the drug store and opened up a rubber and jock strap concession here in the jail" he asked with a chuckle.

"Sheriff, that's inappropriate language around ladies" the deputy sniffed.

The sheriff took a long look around the cells, where the mayor's wife and Preacher Smith's wife were being held and the desk where Nellie was flirting with the deputy.

"I don't see no laides anywhere around here, deputy" he said. The doctor and Phillip couldn't suppress their laughter as the deputy sniffed and escorted Nellie to the door. The Mrs. Dykes and the Mrs. Smithe acted as if they hadn't heard a word he had said.

Randy walked over to the cell containing Beverly Smith and took a seat, a pad and pencil in his hands.

"Mrs. Smith," the sheriff began, "I need to get a statement with regard to the occurrences of yesterday after you left this building. You were here with the Elder Hunt to report your husband, the preacher, missing since Sunday. Is that correct?"

"More or less" she said. "I ain't sure when he went missin'. I just knew he went off again with his shiftless brother huntin' somewhere. I was hopin' him and his brother might end up shootin' each other so it would save me the wear and tear of a divorce."

"This is interesting, Mrs. Smith" the sheriff said. "When you were here with Elder Hunt, you acted very concerned about your husband's safety and his whereabouts."

"That was all before my personal situation changed significantly, sheriff" the woman said. "That was before my lover told me he'd be leavin' his family, getting' a divorce and marryin' me. He also promised to take care of me and my girls in a way that worthless cheapskate son of a bitch preacher never could."

"So would you mind tellin' me who this lover is that you were plannin' to leave your husband for?" the sheriff asked.

"You fuckin' idiot!" she said. "It was the man who was with me when I came here" she said. "Elder Hunt's been fuckin' me for months but he wasn't ready to ditch his family until yesterday. He said somethin' just came over him when he saw me sittin' here all dolled up. He said he just knew it was time to come clean and make me his wife and make my family his own."

Randy looked over where Phillip was sitting quietly. The boy's face was expressionless and he wasn't missing a word of what she was spilling. Randy shot a quick smile at him.

"So you and this elder have been seein' each other for some time, Mrs. Smith?" the sheriff asked.

"Not seein each other like in datin" the woman said. "We been sneakin' around. I think Mike – that's the elder – was deep down a little afraid of my husband. He ain't no muscle man but he's a crazy son of a bitch with a mean temper. Nobody wants to get sideways with him. I think when my darling Mike realized maybe the preacher was dead, it made him ready to propose a future with me. My husband and his brother seem all about how we're supposed to love our families and stuff but the truth is that neither one of `em care enough about the other one to piss on him if he caught fire. Always been that way between them assholes."

"So where did you and Elder Hunt go when you left here, Mrs. Smith?' the sheriff asked.

"We stopped off for a couple of drinks at the Red Rose tavern" she said. "It's a little road house out by the Butter Cup Motel. Neither of us is big drinkers but we felt a celebration was in order. While we was there, Elder Mike got down on a knee and proposed to me right then and there and gave me a ring."

"Really?" the sheriff asked. "Are you wearing the ring now?"

"Shore am" she answered, flashing an expensive emerald ring with a large green stone surrounded by small diamonds. "I ain't never takin' it off since he put it on me hisself. As soon as I can get that son of a bitch preacher declared dead, he'll be movin' me and my girls intot hat big fine house where he's been livin' with the cunt he'smarried to and his snivelin' little brat."

"I'm afraid there's bad news about the ring. You won't have a choice about how long you'll be wearin' it, Mrs. Smith" the sheriff said. "The ring is evidence in a criminal court case. I will need you to take it off now or I will remove it forcibly. It is your choice. The ring is considered evidence."

She removed the ring and threw it at the sheriff.

"Goddamn you!" she said. "I'll tell you one fuckin' thing. I better get that son of a bitch back when this bullshit is done or I'll be suin' the fuckin' pants off of all of you."

Randy calmly got a yellow envelope, placed the ring in it and marked it. He put the envelope in his shirt pocket.

"So where did the two of you go after the tavern?" the sheriff asked.

"We then went to my place." The woman answered. "We couldn't go to his because that bitch wife of his is still there but she won't be for long. He's ditchin' her ass as soon as possible along with that bratty little shit of a son his wife has spoiled rotten."

Phillip's face continued to betray no expression whatsoever as he listened to this woman.

"Then what do you think we did, sheriff?" she asked. "You're a reasonably handsome man who can probably still get his dick hard. What would you have done with this body if you had it for the afternoon?"

"What I would have done is irrelevant, Mrs. Smith, although to be honest it would probably have involved a bottle of disinfectant" the sheriff answered.

Even the mayor's wife and the deputy cracked up at that, laughing along with Phillip and the doctor.

The woman glared at the sheriff and looked as if she might spit at any second.

"So what did you do when you arrived at your house?" the sheriff asked.

"Well, first we parked his new baby blue Lincoln in the back so it couldn't be seen from the road, then we went upstairs and got naked. Do you want a play-by-play, sheriff?" she asked. "You might just learn somethin' That man can do things with his tongue I never even dreamed of."

"Just a general description will be fine, ma'am," the sheriff answered.

"Well, we got each other naked pretty fast and he does that thing he does so very good" she said. "He's very oral in his lovemaking which is a real pleasure because my husband would never do that. He calls it sodomy and a sin against God. But Mike does it with the tongue of a serpent. He hits all the right spots to drive a woman crazy. His pecker ain't all that – it ain't even as nice as the preachers but what he does with his tongue is unbelievable. And he'll do it for hours till I have to beg him to stop. I remember how good I was feelin' for what seemed like hours. Then some men came sneakin' in all dressed in klan robes and hoods. I remember we felt real scared at first, afraid it might be my husband his friends. That's the last thing I remember – feelin' really scared, till I began to wake up in a dark, tight spot. I couldn't see a thing and it turned out I was naked in the trunk of Mike's new Lincoln. I don't know how I got from my bedroom to there. The next thing I knew I was int his cell, feelin' really sleepy. That all I know. I do know my pussy feels real sore but that's to be expected after the way my baby fucked and ate the livin' shit out of me yesterday before the other stuff happened."

"You have no recollection, Mrs. Smith, of using a knife or scissors or some other type of blade to inflict damage on your lover, the elder?"

"Why, of course not!" she said. "Why would I want to hurt Michael? He was my ticket out of the shitty life I had."

"Do you sew, Mrs. Smith?" the sheriff asked.

"What the fuck kind of question is that, asshole? I ain't great at it, but I can get by enough to sew up a tear of something" she answered. "Why are you asking?"

"So you are capable of stitching up a tear?" he asked.

"Yeah, I guess so" she said. "I don't understand why you're askin' all these shitty, stupid questions. Where is Michael anyway? Has somethin' happened to him? Oh my God, is Michael dead? Did my husband shoot him? Oh my sweet, Holy Jesus!" she said, beginning to sob.

"Simmer down, Mrs. Smith" the sheriff said. "Mike Hunt is alive and he will be fine. Some amateur performed surgery on him but they stitched him up. He lost a little blood but he will recover. Someone mutilated a part of his body but he should make a recovery. He will just have some lost functions."

"Oh my god!" she said. "It was my fuckin' husband and he cut Mike's tongue out! That's how the son of a bitch's mind works. It he heard me screamin' when the man was lickin' me he'd have went plumb crazy. I know that's what happened!"

"Cam down, Mrs. Smith," the sheriff said. "The elder's tongue is fine. I am not comfortable discussing what happened right now until I've had an interview with the elder. We are headed to his home right now to take care of that."

"Before you leave, sheriff, will you please have that son of a bitch deputy of yours call my husband?" Mrs. Dykes asked. "This is getting ridiculous. I have been sitting here forever and I have things to do. As the wife of the mayor of this town, I should be shown some respect. That has not happened and for that you will pay the price."

"You aren't leaving here, Mrs. Dykes," the sheriff said. "Not until I decide what charges are appropriate. I caught you in my own house, taking things from my safe. In addition I have a witness who will testify that you moldested him sexually. The boy is not of legal age and you forced yourself on him. That is a serious matter. You're goin' nowhere, Mrs. Dykes. That is final."

"Eat shit and die, sheriff" she spat as he left the building.

"In the car, the sheriff handed Phillip the envelope with the ring in it.

"Do you recognize this ring, son?" the sheriff asked him.

"I sure do"the boy answered. "It belongs to my mother. She used to wear it all the time until her daddy bought her a bigger one a couple of birthdays ago. Since then I haven't seen her wear this one but she won't be happy about my dad giving it to his girlfriend."

"I don't imagine that would make any woman happy, Phillip," the doctor chuckled. "I don't think Mrs. Smith even realized Phillip was the elder's son. That's unbelievable because you really look a lot like your very handsome father."

"Do you really think I'm handsome?" the boy asked. "I've never been told that."

"That's a damned shame, son," the doctor said. "You are one of the handsomest and the smartest boys I've met in a while. And as you saw this morning, I've been around some handsome, smart boys lately. Not a one of them has anything on you, boy!"

They had arrived at the Hunt home. Philip had gotten quiet as they approached. Randy sensed he was nervous about seeing his parents.

"Just take a nice deep breath or two, son," the sheriff said. "Nobody is going to hurt you while we're here."

Mrs. Hunt answered the door in a brightly colored, flowing silk caftan. Her hair and makeup were perfect as she attempted to hug her son. Phillip half way let her hug but walked quickly by her into the living room where his father was on the sofa. He was now attired in silk pajamas and a matching robe.

"Good morning, sheriff," he said. "Do you have any information on what happened to me? I want those people brought to justice."

"Why don't we have an understanding that I'll be the one with the questions" the sheriff said brusquely. "You are expected to do the answering."

"There's no reason to be rude" the man said. "Let's not forget that this is my home."

"I understand that perfectly, sir, just trying to keep things straight."

Mrs. Hunt took a seat beside her husband who was reclining on the sofa. Philip took the chair farthest from his parents. Randy took out his pen and notepad and began the interrogation.

"Can I get all of you something to drink?" Mrs. Hunt asked, wanting to return things to a friendlier atmosphere.

"Why don't you fetch us cups of coffee, dear and perhaps a water for Phillip?" Mr. Hunt said.

"I don't need anything, thank you, father" the boy said.

"Then coffee for the three of us, honey," the man said.

"So, Mr. Hunt, after you left the court house with Mrs. Smith yesterday, where did you go?" the sheriff asked as the wife returned with a tray bearing three cups of coffee, a silver sugar bowl and a matching silver pitcher.

"Thank you, lovie," the man said. "Why don't you leave us men to discuss these things, dear?" he said to the wife.

"I have no objection to your wife's presence here, Mr. Hunt," the sheriff said.

"You may not but I think it would be more appropriate for her to leave the room" the sheriff said with an edge to his voice.

"I think I'll stay, Michael," the woman said.

Mr. Hunt looked steamed but he offered no further objections. For all his bluster, it was becoming quite clear who actually ruled this roost.

"Okay, Mr. Hunt, when you and Mrs. Smith left the jail after reporting the preacher missing, where did you go?" the sheriff asked.

"Let's see, if I recall correctly, I had offered to pick her up at her home to take her to the jail. We met with you and then I took her directly home" the man answered.

"You made no stops on the way home?" the sheriff asked.

"Not that I recall, sheriff," Mr. Hunt answered. "I took her directly to her home. I, of course, got out to open the door for her and saw her to her door. Once she opened the door, I returned to my car and came back to my office where I spent the rest of the afternoon. "

"So it is your testimony that you did not enter the home of Mrs. Smith when you picked her up or delivered her back home?" the sheriff asked. "Is that correct?

"I would hardly call it testimony, sir, as we are not in a courtroom and I am not under oath, but I am telling you I did not enter Mrs. Smith's home. I have never been inside that home without the lady's husband being present. I would consider that highly inappropriate, as would our pastor, I'm sure."

"Okay, so you went back to your office and continued to work" the sheriff said. "Is that correct?"

"Oh yes, sheriff," the man said. "I often work long into the evening hours, a fact to which my lovely wife can surely attest. I am a very successful businessman. To achieve the level of success I have attained requires putting in a lot of hours and a lot of sacrifice."

"That is the absolute truth" Mrs. Hunt said. "Phillip and I have often said he spends more time at that office than he does at home."

"Mr. Hunt, are you familiar with an establishment called The Red Rose Tavern?' the sheriff asked.

Mr. Hunt had beads of sweat pop out on his brow.

"Ummm, why would you ask me a question like that? I very, very rarely take a drink. Are you implying that I'm some kind of alcoholic or something? I can't imagine why you would be asking me a question like that."

"Just answer the question, please,sir," the sheriff said quietly. "And I would like to remind you, just for the record, that there can be significant penalties for lying to law enforcement officials."

"I don't recall having ever heard of the establishment" the man said. "What was the name of the place? "The Red Rose? I don't recall ever having heard of the establishment."

"So if the proprietor said you were there with Mrs. Smith yesterday afternoon, he would be lying?" the sheriff asked.

"I'm not saying that necessarily, but he would certainly be mistaken" the man replied nervously. "I am often told I have a very common face which is easily mistaken for someone else. And I think there are any number of women who resemble Mrs. Smith. I think there could easily be a misidentification if someone told you we were there."

"And you are absolutely certain you were not inside the Smith home at any time yesterday?" the sheriff asked.

"Yes, goddammit!" the man said. "I already told you that."

"Michael, calm down now" Mrs. Hunt said. "The sheriff isn't making any accusations. He's just trying to find out who may have assaulted you."

"I'm very sorry, sheriff," Mr. Hunt said. " I do apologize. Perhaps this has taken a greater toll on me than I thought."

"I only have a couple more questions" the sheriff said. "Then the doctor wants to check you over and we'll be out of your way."

"Again, my apologies for losing my temper" Mr. Hunt said quietly.

"So, you went back to your office and were there until after dark?" the sheriff asked.

"Yes, sir," the man said. "I was working away at my desk. My secretary and the other agents had already left for the day as they often do. As a matter of fact there was no one else in the office when I returned after dropping Preacher Smith's wife at her home. I am usually the last one to leave, long after everyone else is gone. I was sitting at my desk when I felt the strange sensation that someone was watching me. I looked up and there were four men in Ku Klux Klan robes and hoods. I thought it must be someone pulling a prank so I tried to make a joke. I stood up from my desk and I was told to sit back down. I asked why they were there but they wouldn't speak. Then one of them put tape around my wrists and over my mouth so I couldn't speak. That is the last thing I remember before I woke up wearing only my underwear in my car in my driveway. I have no idea what might have happened in between."

"Hmmm. Very interesting" the sheriff said. "You don't remember any kind of sexual assault or your clothes being removed?"

"Absolutely not!" the man said. "I don't believe those things can even happen to a man of faith like myself. I know that I would have fought to the death to prevent any man from touching me in an intimate manner."

"Okay, Mr. Hunt," the sheriff said. "I think we can take a break for now and let the doctor examine you. We need to document your injuries very carefully with photographs in the event this ever comes to trial."

"Oh no, sheriff," the man said. "That can never be allowed to happen. I value my reputation and I cannot permit even a whiff of any scandal. A trial would be totally unacceptable. As a matter of fact, I do not want what happened to me to become public knowledge at all. I would rather risk the perpetrators going unpunished than to put my beloved wife and beloved son through such a horrific experience. Any publicity is simply not acceptable.'

"Beloved wife?" Phillip asked with a laugh. "Beloved son? Who the fuck are you kidding, dad? We all know better."

"Shut the hell up, son!" Mr. Hunt said bitterly. "Philip, you know we don't allow such language in our home! Patricia, I think you and the boy should leave the room now. I don't want either of you disturbed by seeing my injuries."

"Of course, darling" Mrs. Hunt said, swiftly leaving the room.

"I'm not going anywhere" Phillip said. "I saw your bloody scrot last night and it didn't bother me at all. I saw where your nuts had been cut out and I didn't even retch. I'm staying here, daddy. Not going anywhere."

"You little shit!" the man flared. "I ought to knock your ass through that picture window. You're nothing but a goddamned spoiled little motherfucking brat!"

"Mr. Hunt, you should be aware that threatening to assault your son is a violation of the law. I can take you to jail right now if I so choose of if Phillip asks me to. I will not tolerate such threats, particularly not against a young man who is technically still a child. Am I clear?"

The man sneered.

"I think you owe your son an apology" the sheriff aid.

"When Hell freezes over" the man said. "That's when the little rat turd will get an apology from me."

Randy stood and took out a pair of handcuffs. Mr. Hunt panicked.

"No, no, no, sheriff," the man said. "I'm so sorry , Phillip. Daddy's temper flared and it will not happen again. I swear it will not. I am in a great deal of pain and my temper just momentarily got out of control."

"Are you good with that apology, son," the sheriff asked Phillip.

"Yes, sir, I accept his apology" the boy said quietly.

"And, Sheriff Gaylor, I should very much appreciate it if you would cease referring to Phillip as your son" Mr. Hunt said. "He is my son and you need to remember that."

"The sheriff has been more of a father to me in the last 24 hours than you have in a lifetime" the boy said. "He's not the one who held me down while some crazy redneck preacher bastard sliced my dick up! He is not the one who sent my momma away so she wouldn't find the bloody sheets and the bloody gauze and know what you'd done to your own flesh and blood. And the sheriff is not the one who removed the door from my room so I couldn't have a little privacy to beat my meat and make myself feel good. Those are the things you've done for me, dear old dad."

Phillip was perfectly calm as he said all this and he ended up giving his father a sweet smile when he finished. Mr. Hunt was furious that the boy would say these things in front of anyone, particularly a sheriff.

"You lying little bastard!" he snarled. "Sheriff, the boy is a psychopathic liar. None of that is true! Not a single word he is saying. I took the door off his room because I was afraid there could be a fire at night and he wouldn't be able to get out. His mother and I had him circumcised as a baby because his foreskin was very tight. It was all done by a doctor and I'm sure we have the paperwork to prove it. I never did any of those things that he's saying."

"Calm down, Mr. Hunt," the sheriff said. Let's leave all that for now and let the doctor examine you. You'll need to undress for the doctor."

"Completely?" the man asked. "I am not comfortable being nude in front of my son" he said.

"Sorry, sir, but there is absolutely no legal reason the boy should leave the room. You can refuse to be examined, but then I would probably need to take you to the jail to force an examination. Evidence is extremely important. This is not a case where you get to decide what, if any charges are brought. This is a criminal case and all the decisions are mine. There is also the matter of you threatening your own son. While the boy has chosen for now not to have me proceed with charging you, that can change should the boy decide that you should be charged. Now please undress for the doctor."

Mr. Hunt was really steamed now but he didn't want to go to jail. That was the last thing he wanted, knowing the whole thing was likely to become public if that happened. He knew he just needed to get through this examination and then sneak over to the preacher's house to retrieve his clothes and his wallet. He decided playing along was the best strategy for now so he calmly undressed completely and stood in front of the doctor as the sheriff and his son watched. He used his hands to cover his genitals. His pubic bush was completely gone, having been shaved off before he was castrated. His cock was completely wrapped in gauze which appeared to have adhered to the skin but there were no signs of fresh bleeding until the gauze was removed. That appeared to be quite painful, although the doctor tried to be gentle. His legs were nice and hairy, giving a preview of what young Phillip's body would develop into as his puberty progressed. There were a number of stitches in the man's swollen scrotum which could easily be seen now that all the blood had been cleaned up.

The doctor advised him that the sutures could probably come out in two or three days and asked him to turn around and lean over the back of the couch.

"Why?" he asked. "Why do I need to do that? It's my nuts they took. My ass is fine and isn't any of your business."

"Mr. Hunt, if you do not comply I will take you to jail immediately" the sheriff said. "You admit that you have no memory of the entire night. Therefore we have no idea whether you were sexually assaulted. You need to lean over that sofa or I can cuff you. It's up to you. The man grudgingly bent over the back of the sofa.

"Spread your cheeks so I can get a better look" the doctor said.

The man complied, spreading his very hairy butt and exposing an angry looking hole which appeared irritated.

"Mr. Hunt, I'm afraid I have bad news for you" the doctor said. "I am surprised you haven't complained of pain in your anus. It is clear that you were raped, perhaps multiple times. You anus is as inflamed as any I have ever seen. To calm the inflammation, I need to apply some cream. It will reduce the inflammation and hopefully prevent any kind of infection."

"I don't like you touching my hole" the man said. "No man is supposed to be looking at another man's hole, much less touching it."

"I'm afraid it's medically necessary to do this, sir," the doctor said. "I can get your wife in here and instruct her on doing it or I can let your son do it for you. I'm afraid those are the choices."

"My fucking wife is not going to be putting her goddamned finer in my hole!" he said. "Do you fucking understand that?"

"Mr. Hunt, you are using a very threatening tone" the sheriff said. "You have wasted a great deal of my time with your arguing and I don't have that kind of time to just waste. I'm afraid I really should take you in for formal questioning and possible charging on the assault of your son."

"No,no, no" the man said, calming down immediately. "Just do what the fuck you need to do and get it over with."

The man bent over the sofa and spread his hairy cheeks, using both hands. The doctor looked at his son who was smiling, enjoying the show. He held out the tube of cream and Phillip knew what he was offering. The boy quietly stepped up and loaded his index finger with the white cream. Mr. Hunt had his eyes closed as he held his butt cheeks spread. Phillip inserted his creamy finger into his own father's manhole. He moved it in and out several times."

"Ohm, goddamn!" the man complained. "That hurts like a motherfucker!" Is this necessary? That hole is an exit only, you sons of bitches! I'm beginning to wonder if youa ren't a couple of fucking perverts!"

"Just a little more and I need to use a second finger, sir," the doctor said as the boy added his long finger and began to move them in and out.

"Ow!" the man shrieked. "What the fuck do you think you're doing? That feels like you're splitting me fucking open.!

He then became very quiet as it was obvious the boy had stroked his prostate gland. Mr. Hunt experienced a pleasurable sensation he had obviously never experienced before. He began to move his ass back and forth almost imperceptibly, enjoying the sensation of the fingers massaging his sweet spot. Then he realized he was seen to be enjoying it and he turned around to slug the doctor. When he saw it had been his son with his fingers inside him, he was furious. The boy jerked his fingers out of the man as Mr. Hunt raised his hand to strike the boy. But the sheriff was faster, grabbing his arm and wrenching it painfully behind him.

"You motherfucking son of a bitch!" the sheriff said quietly. "I said you ain't hurtin' this sweet boy while I'm around and I fuckin' meant it! Don't you think you and that son of a bitchin' preacher have done enough harm to this sweet soul?"

Thje man was struggling to get out of the painful hold the sheriff had him in and in the struggle, knocked the coffee cups, saucers and silver off the coffee table, making a loud noise. Mrs. Hunt came running into the room.

"What in the hell is going on in here?" she asked. "Unhand my husband, you thuggish son of a bitch!"

"But mom, dad was about to hit me" the boy said."

"That cannot be the truth" she said. "You loving father would never consider such a thing. This must be a misunderstanding. Philip, you know your father would never raise a hand to you unless he needed to. We all need to calm down and sit down. Sheriff, I think it's time for you to go."

"We will leave but I may be back soon with charges to file against your husband, Mrs. Hunt" the sheriff said. " And you will need to take this tube of cream and rub it into your husband's anus twice a day. He is very inflamed where he was raped multiple times."

"You goddamned son of a bitch lying faggot!" the man screamed, attempting to get at the sheriff but being held back by his wife.

"Please leave now!" the woman said. "And you will have no further contact with my husband or my son."

"I will contact your husband as I need to for my investigation" the sheriff said. "I can interview him here or at the jail. As for your son, it is totally up to Phillip whether to go with me or stay here."

"I wouldn't stay in this house another night if my fucking life depended on it" the boys aid. "And it very well might. Your life may too but you seem to blind to see it, mother. "Is the sex really good enough to make you risk your life and mine to have him lick you? Is it worth it to swallow your pride while he goes off consorting with whores right under your nose? Are you willing to look the other way when a naked woman climbs out of the trunk of his car after he's had his nuts removed for messing with another man's wife? I sure hope it's that good, mom, because I am out of here. And I think you knew damned well what that son of a bitch who claims to be my father did to me along with that fucking preacher. "

"You will not leave this house, Phillip," she yelled at the boy. "That is an order."

"You can order your little phony husband around all you w ant, mom, but I'm afraid I'm done with both of you" the boy said. He's been screwing around for years saying he was working late. It was so apparent. You couldn''t have missed the panties in his car stuffed under the seat or the earrings in the floorboard. Or the used condoms all over his office in the wastebaskets. I thought eventually you'd begin to see. But you have chosen to look the other way. And now I'm choosing to leave. So long, dear mommy and daddy. I'll be perfectly fine if I never lay eyes on either of you again!"

The woman was furious and raised a hand with the intention of slapping her son. The sheriff wasn't having it as he quickly grabbed her much smaller arm and wrenched it behind her.

"Oh no, ma'am, not today" the sheriff said. "Not today or any day as long as I'm the fucking sheriff in this fucking town. I could snap your fucking arm like a twig, bitch, and I'm sorely tempted to do it right now."

He wrenched the arm further behind her and she screamed.

"Do something, Mike!" she screamed at her husband who stood, still naked as he watched what was happening but powerless against the much larger sheriff.

"What is that nutless little monkey going to do, Mrs. Hunt?" the sheriff asked. "Is he supposed to save you from the big bad sheriff? I'd break his weak little white ass in half in a heartbeat and then rip both his arms right out of the fucking sockets! Your asshole husband put your son through something no boy should ever have to go through and you knew what was happening and looked the other fucking way. Did he send you to some fancy spa over in Charleston while your only son was laying' in his bed with his cock bleedin', knowin' he'd been betrayed by a paw and a maw who was supposed to be protectin' him? In my book, that makes you just as guilty as that asshole you call your husband!"

"Mom, that' true" the boy said. "You had to see the bloody sheets after what dad did. I left bloody underwear where you couldn't have missed it. I begged you to rehang the door to my room so I could have a little privacy. I wasn't even masturbating at the time but that preacher convinced dad I was. And you just looked the other way. Just like you have always looked the other way. Well, I hope the two of you are very happy together because I'm not having it another day. I'm done. I'm done and I'm happy about it. I feel liberated not having to deal with your bullshit any longer."

The woman was struggling to get away but Randy pulled her arm back further. He knew it might snap at any second and she was screaming in pain.

"I really ought to break your fucking arm right now but I think your son has been put through enough" the sheriff said ." It's enough to see his cowardly father pissing himself in fear and getting off on his own son's fingers. I don't want to put this precious boy through anything else. But if I ever see or even hear of either of you attempting to touch this boy, you will be dead motherfuckers. And yeah, that's a threat. But it's more than just a threat. It's a fucking promise."

The woman was now attempting to move her arm painfully after the sheriff released it. Without further words, the three went and got into the car. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt followed them out to the circular drive, Mr. Hunt still naked.

"One last thing, mom" the boy said as he opened the yellow envelope the sheriff had handed him.

"This diamond and emerald ring is yours" Phillip said. "Or it was until dad gave it to his whore as an engagement ring."

The boy then threw the ring at his mother. It landed at her feet on the driveway.

The boy laughed as they drove away from the home, leaving a stunned man and woman standing alone.

"Why do I feel so good right now" the boy asked as they eased down the road. "I should be feeling awful, I think. I just told my mom and dad I'm done with them. Why don't I feel sad? Instead, I feel as good as I ever remember feeling in my life."

"It's because you got rid of a burden, son," the doctor said. "Rafe and Kurt are getting there too. You've begun to let go of something really heavy. You'll still have mixed feelings and doubts from time to time but you will be all right. Don't ever be afraid to ask me or the sheriff or William for help, even if it is just the need to talk. Lean on us and the others. I'm really proud of you, son. Really, really proud."

They arrived at the home of the preacher and Mrs. Smith. The door was unlocked so they went in and went directly upstairs. The man's pants, shirt, shoes, socks and undershirt were in the floor where he had left them when he stripped down for sex the previous day. His wallet was also in his pants and they found a wad of cash and a receipt for drinks from the Red Rose tavern.

"I'd say he got caught red-handed here" Phillip chuckled.

"When we get back to the court house I will call William immediately to get all or his accounts shut down" Randy said. "We can have things frozen until we can get a forensic accountant in here to examine the books and find where he was hiding money. I think there's a very good chance we can force a plea which could make you end up with all of their assets using the threat of a criminal complaint for the assault. I ain't a lawyer but I think there's a strong shot."

"I have no interest in being a money grubber like my dad but I know I'll have expenses" the boy said. "I wouldn't have a problem with that. I can't wait to see my granddaddy's face when he hears dad's been ripping him off. The man will not be at all happy. Can I ask you one thing, doc?"

"Son, you can ask me anything" the doctor said.

"When I had my fingers in my dad, you know, it was like I felt something inside him" the boy said. "You don't think it was a tumor or something do you? I mean I don't want anything to do with him but I don't wish him ill. If it was something bad I'd want to find some way to tell him to get it checked."

"No, son, but that shows what a sweet boy you are" the doctor said. "It speaks well that you are still concerned about your dad's health even after the pain he put you through. But that spot you felt was his prostate gland. Some people call it a sweet spot or a fuck nut. A lot of men never discover the pleasure it can give them but it's a little spot a few inches inside a man's hole. When it's stroked with a finger or two, it can start you really juicing a lot. You noticed how your dad suddenly got all tame and quiet when you hit it? That's what happens when you get it stroked. If you want, I'll be glad to demonstrate. I think you'll enjoy it."

"Do Kurt and Rafe know about it?" the boy asked.

"I'm not sure" the doctor said. "Both of those boys came from backgrounds similar to yours – backgrounds where discussions about sex were taboo. Both of them are very interested. I think Kurt is very interested. He watched Dopie getting fucked a few days ago and he obviously had a hard dick hit his p-spot. Kurt was aware that something happened because of the way the boy got all tame and just started cooing like a turtle dove. He asked about it and I explained it but I don't know how much experimenting he and Rafe have done."

"Do you think they might want to do some experimenting with me?" Phillip asked.

"I'm quite sure they would" the doctor said. And I'm sure the sheriff and I will be glad to assist any time you want us to."

"Do you think I might go where they're working now and give them a hand?" the boy asked. "I'd rather do that if it's okay to cut the rest of the day at school."

"The principal excused you for the whole day so I think that would be fine"t e sheriff said. "I think Rafe and Kurt will be glad to see you."

The only thing is I've got good clothes on instead of work clothes" the boy said. "They both had on overalls."

"I believe you can pretty easily talk them into losing those overalls. There's nothing wrong with boys working together in just their underwear."

"Or maybe even less" the sheriff added as they all enjoyed a laugh.

When they got to the clinic, the men decided to go in and check on the boys, taking them cold sodas they had picked up. The boys were working away.

"You guys are really pretty incredible" the doctor said. "You've gotten much further than I thought you would have by now and we brought you another help, if you'd like."

"Heck yeah" both boys said, putting down their paint rollers to greet Phillip with hugs.

"He's gonna take the rest of the day off to work with you guys instead of goin' back to school" the sheriff said. "But in case the younger boys ask about it, make sure they know he was excused by Principal Whaley so they don't get any ideas in their heads."

"I was a little bit worried about Billy Paul last night" Rafe said. "He seemed a little down. Kurt and I discussed it and we tried to give him some special attention. We think he was missing his dad. I don't think Mr. William's been away from him very much overnight."

"You guys really pick up on things" the sheriff said. "Billy Paul was feelin' a little sad and misisn' his paw but y'all did great. He shared it with me this mornin' and I think he was okay by time for school. He'll be fine when his daddy walks in the door."

"Man, we just had a scene with my dad" Phillip said. "I'll tell you all about it once we start painting if you want to know."

"Of course we do" Kurt said.

"Are you okay?" Rafe asked him.

"I'm great" the boy said. "The sheriff almost had to break my mother's fucking arm but I'm fine."

The boys and the men laughed.

"Sorry about that one slipping out" the boy said. "I'll be more careful."

"It happens to all of us" Randy said.

"Phillip was a little concerned about working in good school clothes while you guys are in overalls" the doctor said. "Would it be okay if he works in his underwear?"

"Why, heck yeah" Kurt said.

"It's awful warm in here" Rafe said. "We could just ditch these overalls and work in our underwear too."

"You'd be comfortable with that?" the doctor asked. "Are you sure?"

"I'm good with that" Kurt said. "Actually we were both getting hot and we talked about it but we were afraid someone might come in and find us. We were afraid that might make you guys angry."

"I wouldn't be angry watching three guys as hot as you three are working in your underwear. Hell, I'd buy a ticket" the doctor said. "I'm really glad you guys are getting over your shyness about your bodies so fast. Sometimes it takes people a long time to do that and some people never get comfortable being naked around others. I really am proud of all of you."

"It's not easy but I'm tryin'" Kurt said. "I was always so ashamed of being cut and of how it came about. I think I always felt like everybody else knew the whole story."

"I understand that and I still feel shy about it" Phillip said. "But I didn't even know other people were cut too. I thought I was the only one in the world. Heck, Doc explained that people pay good money to have it done. It's only a tiny little part of me so I really don't care any more what people think of my body. If I'm happy with it, they can like it or lump it."

Rafe had already undone the top of his overalls and the bib was hanging down as he removed his undershirt. The boy had a fine body with the smooth chest except for a small diamond-shaped patch of dark red hair between his nipples. He had a thick patch of dark red hair in his pits. His nipples looked plumped up and he gave one a pinch as he smiled at Randy. Kurt had his overalls off along with his tee shirt and was now nude except for his socks and jockey briefs. He had a beautiful, unblemished body with a smooth chest and pink nipples. There were fine blonde hairs on his chest which were almost invisible without looking closely. He also was getting the beginnings of a nice, blonde treasure trail at his navel and he showed a nice bulge in his briefs.Phillip had also shed everything except his briefs and the boys all looked very hot. They really did seem self conscious as all three were blushing as the men looked at them.

"I'd sure like to stay and just watch you boys all day but I guess I better get to sherrifin'" Randy said. "I'll see you all at home this evenin'."

"I'm going to have the sheriff drop me at the house so I can change into work clothes, then I'll be back to help you guys" the doctor said.

"If we're working in our underwear, you could too, Doc," Kurt said.

"That's true" the doctor said "and I think I'd like that. How about I just have the sheriff run me by to get a vehicle so we'll all have a way home when we finish? Then I'll come back and help you guys finish this painting."

"Sounds great!"Rafe said.

The men left the boys painting in their briefs and the sheriff took Doc to the house to get his vehicle. Randy decided to make a quick run back by the preacher's house before going to the court house. When he got there, Mr. Hunt's blue Lincoln was pulled right up in the yard almost to the front porch. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were just coming out of the home, both appearing frustrated. The sheriff rolled down his window and shouted at the couple.

"I should've told you I was comin' straight over here when I left your house" the sheriff shouted. "Hope you didn't go to too much trouble but I've got his shirt, his pants, his socks, shoes, and his wallet right here."

He held up the elder's clothes for the couple to see. Mr. Hunt was apparently having difficulty walking but he made an attempt to run to Randy's car. Before he got even close, he fell to the ground, grabbing his crotch and writhing in pain.

"I believe the doctor told you to stay off your feet for a couple of days or you could tear them stitches" the sheriff chuckled.

Mrs. Hunt was attempting to help her husband up.

"This answered a real important question for me though" the sheriff said. "I wasn't sure before but now I know that your wife is just as guilty in all of this as you are, you fuckin' asshole! You need to both know that your son is done with both of you. You had a beautiful boy but you just wasted everything. You threw that precious boy's love right out the window."

"Oh, Philip will be back" Mrs. Hunt said haughtily. "He a smart enough boy to know that he'll be on easy street the rest of his life. He knows how successful his father has been in business and no boy is stupid enough to walk away from all that money."

"That's right Mr. Hunt said. "That little shit will be begging for us to let him back in the front door. You'll see. You'll all see."

I happen tot hink you're both wrong about that boy" the doctor said. "There was a time he loved both of you but I think you've both killed that love. Something changed in him today and I don't think he'll ever be able to forgive what you did to him. It was bad enough to have his father do awful t hings to him but to have a mother who was willing to turn a blind eye to all of that just because she enjoys having her cunt lapped. It's more than a boy should ever have to deal with it. I think Philip will be quite happy living with us and we'll value him more than either of you ever did."

The couple lunged for the sheriff's car, but he simply hit the gas, leaving them in the dust. Feeling better, he headed to the court house, knowing he had to make a decision on whether to hold the preacher's wife and the mayor's wife. He was really wishing he had William to help him make the decisions.

When he walked into the court house, he noticed a strange man sitting in a chair near his desk but he was immediately distracted by the mayor's wife and the elder's wife, both loudly demanding they be released. Nellie Walker was perched on the deputy's desk, ruffling his hair but the deputy, very embarrassed at being caught out, stood erect when the sheriff came in.

"What the fuck are you running here, Deputy?" the sheriff asked sharply. "Is this place a jail house or a goddamned whorehouse? First of all, get that flirty whore out of here now!"

Arney escorted Nellie to the door as the sheriff walked over to the cells.

"And if you two whores don't shut your mouths, I'll put shock collars on the both of you and give you so much voltage you'll be beggin' for the electric chair!"

The women quieted and Randy went to introduce himself to the stranger.

"I'm very sorry you had to see that" the sheriff told him. "Nothin' gets me more riled than misbehavin' women. I'm Sheriff Randy Gaylor."

"Nice to meet you, sheriff," the man said. "I'm Howard Vague. Mr. William Walker advised me to see you as soon as I got to town. We had hoped to drive over here together but he was delayed in Raleigh. It's a very beautiful town from what little I've seen but William was right when he told me you were dealing with some unruly women. You certainly seem to deal with them effectively. From what I've seen so far, you handle things very efficiently. I know William had planned to talk with you last night but was unable to reach you. I have been retained as a forensic accountant to work with the Anti-corruption Task Force William is running for the governor and Mr. Levin. He has arranged for me to rent an office just down the street and I have already signed papers and obtained keys for that. He said he would be glad to arrange accommodations at the hotel, but he also mentioned that your former home is now renting rooms. I much prefer the privacy of a private dwelling and William has shared with me the rather unique arrangement you have with Eliza as well as the situation with your Aunt and her friend. I think I could rather enjoy adding to their misery."

The men exchanged smiles. Mr. Vague was a very thin, neat, tall man with rather plain features He had a thin mustache over his upper lip and was nicely dressed in a conservative navy suit with a plaid bow tie. He stood very erect and his movements appeared somewhat stilted as if he might be excessively self-conscious. He had a receding hairline and the overall impression was not one of masculinity.

"That is excellent. There are three young men renting rooms right now and I'm not certain whether the fourth bedroom is ready yet. If not, I know these boys well enough to know they won't object to doubling up to accommodate your needs."

"I am very appreciativeof that, sheriff," the man said. "Believe me, sheriff, I know about overbearing women. I have lived with my mother all my life. When my father died suddenly, it became quite clear I would be saddled with the cunt until the day I die. I am so looking forward to being here with her in Raleigh, although I know there will be daily calls with her pressuring me to find a home for the both of us. To be honest, I wish the bitch would be hit by a bus."

"I totally understand, Mr. Vague," he said.

"Please call me Howard" he said.

"Only if you'll call me Randy" the sheriff said as they shook hands again.

"Mr. Vague, I hate to bother you with something so soon after your arrival but I have an emergency situation which has arisen very suddenly."

"Please don't apologize"H oward said. "Mr. Walker made it clear the two of you have a very special friendship and that I could trust you. My instructions are to attend to any matter you bring to my attention."

The sheriff then explained the situation with Phillip's father and the suspicion he had been hiding money to elope with his girlfriend, Preacher Smith's wife. He also explained the elder's father-in-law had a large stake in the business and his suspicions that the wife was complicit in the assault on their son.

"That is the most deplorable thing I have ever heard of" Howard said. "Any father who harms his own son should be hanged. It is also a shame how poorly regulated independent insurance agencies are in our state but I have dealt with several situations and I know most of the tricks. I will get things frozen immediately so that the elder and his wife have to come to me to even write a check for groceries. Can you get me into the elder's office?"

"You bet I can!" the sheriff said.

They got into the squad car and went directly to Mr. Hunt's office. Randy picked the lock and got them in, posting a sign on the door that no one was allowed to enter. Howard began gathering file after file. When he was finished they had filled four large boxes with files and he had called the man's father-in-law and had frozen all accounts."

"You're a fast mover" the sheriff said.

"The governor has given us pretty damned extensive powers" Howard said. "I can assure you that everything I just did is within the law. Mr. Hunt will not be happy and neither will his wife. Mrs. Hunt's father said he would like to leave the business to his grandson and he would like to speak with you and Phillip regarding the assault on the boy at the church. It didn't sound as if he doubted his son in law was capable of such things, he just said he would like very much to speak with you and his grandson. He offered to fly down here but he said it would be difficult as his wife is quite ill."

"No problem, buddy," the sheriff said. "I'll make sure we connect before the day is over."

While at the office, the sheriff called Eliza to see if the bedroom was available. Eliza said they had finished painting and it would just require a quick cleanup and the room could be ready in a couple of hours.

The sheriff and Mr. Vague agreed that a cup of coffee would be nice so they dropped in at a little coffee shop out on the highway.

"You are everything Mr. Walker told me you would be" Howard said. "I have great respect for a man who is willing to just take the bull by the horns and get things moving. It is clear you are that kind of man. I am almost certain that the elder and his wife will be finding out at any moment that all of their accounts are frozen. Brace yourself for an ugly scene. I have a badge and all the authority we need to cover us. Please know that I will never put you or Mr. Walker in jeopardy."

"I don't worry too much about that kind of thing, Howard" the sheriff said. "I believe we all have to walk tall and we can't walk tall if we're walking scared."

Their coffee arrived and Howard was adding sugar and cream to his as a rock sailed through the window at the table they were sitting. It bounced off their table, landing on the floor. It was a large rock which shattered the window but it didn't hit either man. Randy made sure they nor the waitress had been injured, then he picked up the large rock. There was a hand-written note attached to the rock with a rubber band. The note was scrawled in pencil in what looked like a child's hand. "

Fagets and niger lovers must die!" Randy read. "Hmm, it's obvious the writer is not strong at spellin'. I ain't real gifted at that neither but I believe I can spell better than him."

"Any idea where this might have come from?" Howard asked.

"Absolutely none" the sheriff said. "But I take some comfort in that the guy obviously ain't the sharpest crayon in the box. He'll likely show hisself pretty quick."