The Victorious and the Relentless

Episode 4: “It’s In His Kiss”

NATHAN MOYNIHAN’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES, SATURDAY MORNING

Kyle Walgrove and Nathan Moynihan are seated around the coffee table on which are set two steaming cups of warm beverages. Nathan is unshaven, his hair unkempt from hours of restlessness, but his rugged masculinity still prominent.

Nathan: How soon can they issue an Amber alert?
Kyle: Look, Nate, Justin has pulled this routine once before with us when you and Brendon first were in the hospital. He didn’t show up at our place when he was supposed to. When came home the next morning, he claimed to have stayed over at his friends’ place.

Nathan: What friends? I don’t know any of his friends. It’s hard to imagine he has any.

Kyle: He’s gone through a lot. Losing a mother and having to relocate to a strange place like Los Angeles from Minnesota. That’s a lot for any teen to take in.

Nathan: So you think he’ll show up today?
Kyle: Okay, just so that I understand this, you two had an argument, which provoked him to leave. What were you two arguing about?


Nathan: Nothing really. Uh, I got a phone call from Chloe, who said that she had seen Justin in Hollywood at lunchtime yesterday, and he was buying marijuana off the street.


Kyle: I’ll phone Chloe and see if she can give us a description of this dealer. Maybe Justin went over to their place for the night. At any rate, it’s only 8:00 in the morning on a Saturday. He’s probably crashed out in someone’s bed.


Nathan: I guess I won’t be making the Saturday run.
Kyle: Allison will handle things there. You just hold down the fort here until both Justin and Brendon come home.


Nathan: Yeah, I’m going to see Brendon. I need to see him and explain myself. He’d be so disappointed in me.


Kyle: Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing the best you can, given the situation. But while I’m already over here, I wanted to ask if you recalled anything about the fire and the attacks.


Nathan: Did you guys ever find any evidence?
Kyle: The fire destroyed whatever evidence there may have been. I need you to run through your story one more time. You said that you and Brendon went on your traditional long run when you had to stop because Brendon got a shin splint or twisted his ankle. And then you heard someone…


Nathan: Look, Kyle, I’ll level with you. Brendon and I weren’t exactly running. We were fooling around in one of the alcoves. I just made up that story to save face. If the truth got out that we were practically copulating with each other, which would be detrimental to both our careers not to mention it would only add to the bad publicity about sex in the park.


Kyle (winking at him): Uh, Nate, I pretty gathered that’s what you really were doing. It’s pretty much Outrunners knowledge that you two are frisky. Don’t worry! We’ll stick with your version of the story, but you said you heard someone. Did you get a chance to see them?


Nathan: No, you see that’s where it gets dark, and I can’t remember. I just wish I could break this cloud of memory loss and maybe I’ll recall something that’ll help the case. My mind jumps right from the moment we were interrupted to the moment that I woke up with flames surrounding me. I kept shouting for Brendon but never saw him.


Kyle: His body was thrown into a ditch. He sustained a lot of head trauma more so than you.
Nathan: It was a hate crime… pure and simple. Someone came upon us, saw us half naked and making out, and just took their frustration out on us.


Kyle: I wouldn’t dismiss it as a hate crime just yet.
Nathan: What are you saying, Kyle?
Kyle: I have a gut feeling that whoever is behind the attacks and the arson weren’t some random gay bashers. I think they were purposely after both you and Brendon. If I were you, I’d start a list of all your common enemies.


HEATH ALCOTT AND KYLE WALGROVE’S HOME, WEST HOLLYWOOD


Heath awoke with a raging erection in full anticipation of his morning romp with Kyle. He opened his eyes and stared at the sunlight slipping in through the Venetian blinds. Always sleeping on his side, he reached his right hand over to the other side of the bed in hopes of reaching between Kyle’s legs to grab his cock and get the party started before they headed to the park for the group Saturday morning run.


His hand fell on the softness of the mattress. Moving it up and down, he was not able to feel the rigidity of Kyle’s body, ultimately prompting him to turn over and confirm his fear that had been boiling underneath the surface. Kyle was not there, but he had taken the courtesy of leaving a note pinned to his pillow in which he characteristically expressed his sorrow for having to run out early and subsequently sacrifice yet another (empty) promise.


The heartbreaking tone of Darren Hayes' “Unlovable” plays over the following action:


Heath propels himself out the bed, his trunks hugging his waist and the sunlight beautifully capturing the muscular exquisiteness of his legs. He snatches the note from the pillow and rereads it, noting that Kyle had received a phone call from Nathan Moynihan early this morning. He had been worried sick over Justin not coming home the night before. Kyle had already needed to further interrogate Nathan about the Griffith Park ordeal and thought it would be a good way to kill two birds with one stone. The note affectionately ended with yet another promise to make it up to him.


The note crumpled in his hand, Heath walks into the kitchen, finds a match, strikes it, and angrily sets the paper afire. He notes that the sink is still occupied by the shattered plate fragments and the candles are still strewn across the dining room floor from last night. Did he not even see the mess? Does he not even see me? Resigned to move forward and clean up his clutter, Heath picks up the candles and throws them into the bin along with the broken plate. He knew it was nearing time for the run in the park so he quickly finished his cleaning.


CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES, SATURDAY MORNING


Callum is in the sitting room, reading the newspaper when the doorbell rings. Godfrey comes in, announcing that Tristan has arrived.


Callum: Send him in.
Tristan (dismissing with greetings): We need to talk about my commission.
Callum: Oh yes, the realty company informed me of your pseudo license. You have some nerve trying to pull the wool over my eyes, pretending to be a realtor.


Tristan: I am a realtor! I have my license.
Callum: According to some technicality, you’re not really licensed.
Tristan: Lloyd is refusing to pay me commission on the sale of this house. Could you contact him and put in a good word for me? I really need this money.


Callum: I’ve already tried, Tristan. Lloyd’s not backing down and why would he? Who’d want to part with a percentage of the total sale of this estate?


Tristan: You don’t understand. I need that money like yesterday!
Callum: Calm down. I knew you would come here for this exact reason so I took the liberty of writing a check for you (handing him the check).


Tristan: $20,000! That’s a freaking fraction of what I’m owed for the sale of this place.
Callum: Beggars can’t be choosy. Besides, as I understand it, you only get $10,000 on Family Feud per episode. This is like two days’ worth of winnings.


Tristan (turning to leave): I’ll just consider this a down payment on the full amount owed me.
Callum: And about that problem with the photos…
Tristan (turning around suddenly): Yeah, did you get it resolved?
Callum: “Old Vic” is not backing down. She values her privacy and that of her children. Of course, if you still have the negatives of those nude photos, I’d be interested in having a copy for which I’d pay a handsome sum.


Tristan: Yeah, but I’m still getting sued. I’ll be out of a quarter of a million dollars if I lose this case. I thought that you were “in” with them.


Callum: You know, Tristan, you can always go back to your old profession on Santa Monica Boulevard.


Tristan: Pardon me?
Callum: Well, you were a gigolo at some point.
Tristan (testily): What is it that you want? Or rather who is it? Oh, don’t tell me, this is about Nathan.


Callum: For once, you’re wrong. This is about Brendon Roberts. (noting Tristan’s ashen face) Why the reaction, Tristan?


Tristan: Nothing. W-What do you want?
Callum: I understand that someone attempted to kill Brendon last night, and it wasn’t through my orders. I need to know who this person was. Find out for me.


Tristan: How much will I get paid for this information?
Callum: We’ll discuss payment once I have the answers.
Tristan (hearing the cries of a baby): What’s that? Sounds like a baby. Oh, did your family arrive?


Callum: I have many guests in this house. Anyway, get me what I want, and I promise to help you out. Are you going to the run this morning?


Tristan: Yeah, are you?
Callum: No, I’m not. I have an appointment with Nathan. He keeps rescheduling our appointment. I’m beginning to think he doesn’t want my money.


Tristan (sotto voce): Or your sex.


The doorbell rings and soon Godfrey enters, announcing the arrival of Dr. Peyton Ashland , who stumbles into the room looking haggard.


Tristan: Dude, you look like shit! You aren’t running like that?
Peyton: Good morning to you, too, Tristan. I’m getting over a hangover. You look ready to run.
Tristan (turning to leave): Yeah, I am. Anyway, I’ve got to jet.
Callum: Remember what I told you, Tristan. I’ll be in touch with you.


Peyton, absolutely befuddled, falls on the settee, but then sees the minibar and beelines straight for it, pouring himself a glass of whisky.


Callum: Hmmm, long night, eh?
Peyton: I think we know why (chugging down the glass of whisky)
Callum: I can have the cook prepare you some bangers and mash.
Peyton: Oh, God, no, are you trying to kill me? You know I hate British food. I’m fine with Jack Daniels.


Callum: As you wish. So what brings you here so early?
Peyton: It’s about last night. I really can’t lose my medical license over what happened between us nearly a year ago. I’m up for partner in a psychiatric firm in Beverly Hills.


Callum: License seems to be the word of the day. Tristan lost his realtor license over a technicality, and now you’re about to lose your medical license.


Peyton: Please, Callum, I know we can work something out. (moving closer to him)
Callum (pushing him away): I’m so sorry to disappoint you, but that ship has sailed. Peyton, I’m no longer sexually interested in you.


Peyton: Whatever! You’re into Nathan Moynihan, but Callum, I’m trying to tell you that he’s not going to give up his love for Brendon just for a quick fuck with you.


Callum: I think there’s a misunderstanding here. I’m not some slut out for some quick shag. I’m looking for real love. You know what I mean. Like the kind we talked about a year ago during therapy.


Peyton (bluntly): What do you want in exchange for giving me that DVD?
Callum: Now we come to the real reason you’re here. I need you to take care of Allison Trudeau for me.


Peyton: What do you mean take care of her?
Callum: I’m not intimating murder if that’s what you’re implying. All I desire is for you to keep her away from me and Nathan. Our time together will be so precious, and he doesn’t need to hear all her venom.


Peyton: I can’t control Allison. Yes, I used hypnotism as part of my practice at times, but I can’t make Allison do anything she doesn’t want to do.


Suddenly, Peyton’s cell phone rings. He fishes in his pocket to retrieve it.


Peyton: Hello. Good morning, Kyle. How are you? (pause)
Callum’s eyes perk up at the name of the police detective, prompting him to move in closer to Peyton to hear the conversation.


Peyton: Um, well, I guess I can. Ironically, I was just talking about it. (pause) Oh, sure, I can be on my way right now as I’m in the vicinity. Give me about twenty minutes. That sound okay? All right, see you then!


Callum: What was that about?
Peyton: Kyle wants me to hypnotize Nathan to see if he can remember anything from the night he and Brendon were attacked.


Callum: Good. It’s great that you’re helping the investigation as part of your civic duty. But might I suggest you hop into the shower. Tristano was right. You do look like shit. I’ll have Godfrey get you some clean clothes.


Peyton: Thanks… I guess. Where’s the shower?
Callum: Upstairs in the master bedroom. (emphasizing the word “master” for Peyton’s sexual interest)


Peyton marches upstairs, undresses, and gets into the shower, turning the hot water onto his body. Lathering himself with the soap, he feels as if it’s cleaning both his soul and thoughts. I can handle Callum. I’m a trained psychiatrist. I know how his mind works, and I can use it to my advantage. Suddenly, Callum enters the shower, shirtless and with a towel wrapped around his middle.


Peyton: C-Callum, what are you doing in here?
Callum: I thought I’d take you up on your offer from earlier.
Callum reaches his out his hand, grasping Peyton’s nipples and gently squeezes them. They bring their mouths together before Peyton hints for him to go down, and Callum slowly lowers himself onto his knees when suddenly a loud bang against the shower door dissipates the fantasy.


Callum: Hurry up in there! You told Kyle twenty minutes. You’ve been in longer than that, and I can only imagine you’re doing. You had better not be defiling my shower!

GRIFFITH PARK, SATURDAY MORNING, FLAG POLE


Allison: Good morning, Outrunners. Welcome to the Saturday morning training run. I’ve got a few announcements to make. As many of you know, the Hollywood Marathon is coming up in three months. Next Sunday is our annual Pride Run. Bralen Jones will be representing the US at the Olympics in August. Nathan Moynihan is now acting president of Outrunners. He doesn’t appear to be here this morning. I’m sure he’s running late. Anyway, I would like for everyone to send their prayers to Nathan. Brendon has yet to come out the coma, but everyone at the hospital is remaining optimistic. Now, we’ll have a brief announcement from our fellow firefighter Heath Alcott.


Heath: Everyone knows to stay away from the areas of the park that have been burned to the ground.


Allison: Thanks, Kyle, for reminding us of that. Are there any other announcements? (pause) Okay, well, the last thing I want to announce is that Chloe and I will be parents later this winter.


Cheers erupt from the assembled crowd. Allison pulls Chloe close to her, offering her a sweet embrace before kissing her, the bright sun beaming down on their open display of love.


Bralen: So, Allison, does this mean you’ll be building the crib or buying it?
Allison: Very funny, Bralen. I’m going to answer “no comment,” but I’m sure that Henrietta, our Outrunners event planner, will be organizing a baby shower soon, and you’re more than welcome to purchase a crib as a gift. Okay, let’s do names, and then we’ll run and come back for breakfast at Fancy’s in Glendale.


The circle of excited runners each announces their names, and everyone breaks for their individual runs. Allison has remained put and approaches Heath.


Allison: So where’s Kyle today?
Heath: I think he’s with Nathan. Apparently, Justin didn’t come home last night.
Allison: Yeah, I know. I was with Nathan last night and can only imagine how this is adding to the stress on his shoulders. You know last night someone tried to kill Brendon Roberts. The hospital has his room under 24 hour surveillance now and Callum Sutcliffe is completely banned from going in there.


Heath: Callum? What does he have to do with this? You think he was involved in it.
Allison: I don’t think he was involved. I know it. And the fact that he’s not here this morning only makes me wonder if he’s with Nathan.


Heath: Have you told Kyle about last night?
Allison: Yeah, he read the police report. However, we both think it best not to tell Nathan about it, especially now that Justin is missing. I keep telling you guys that Justin should stay a few days with me. I’ll whip him into shape.


Heath (laughing): Yeah, lesbian disciplinary training 101.
Allison: So, how are other things going?
Heath: Not so well. I don’t have any time with Kyle. He’s always so busy. I had planned something special for him last night, but he forgot to come early like he promised. And then we planned for an early morning romp, but then he got called away by Nathan.


Allison then attempts to ring Nathan and immediately gets sent to his voicemail. She leaves a message for him to call her, and as she snaps the phone shut, Tristan runs up to the flagpole.


Allison: You know I have a bone to pick with you, Bersani.
Tristan: Over what?
Allison: You helped Callum get the house next to Nathan’s! Some realtor you are!
Tristan: Hey, it was that tidbit of info that finally convinced him.
Allison: I oughta sock you one for that! Are you running over the hill today?
Tristan: Yeah, I am. What about you, Heath?
Heath: I can do over the hill.
Allison: Wow, Tristan, you really must be persuasive. What kind of voodoo are you using? Heath once told me he’d never do over the hill again. All right, boys, see you at Fancy’s.


Heath and Tristan: Ciao!


They all depart on their respective runs.


NATHAN’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES


Dr. Peyton Ashland has placed Nathan under hypnosis with Detective Kyle Walgrove present. Thus far, all that Nathan has said under this trance has been a reiteration of his conscious testimony. When they reached the part of his story where he typically goes blank, Peyton asked a different question to trigger an unusual response.


Peyton: Nathan, when you go to see who is outside the cave, how does it feel outside? Is it hot or cold?


Nathan: A little breezy… the hairs on my legs particularly feel the wind.
Peyton: Now, Nathan, I need you to concentrate really hard. Do you hear any other voices? Are they those of a male or a female?


Nathan: No.
Peyton: Do you smell anything? Smoke perhaps?
While at first he was getting doubtful if Peyton might be able to assist, Kyle soon realized that Peyton’s questioning was helping to establish a timeline—to see whether the fire had been started before the attacks or afterwards. The questions about feeling heat and smell had not been asked by the trained authorities. Kyle noticed that Nathan’s face looked at rest while in this trance, and his face soon contorted into one of serious thought. Nathan inhaled a deep breath of air as he were back at the site.


Nathan: Fragrance.
Peyton: Pardon? What kind of fragrance?
Nathan: Exotic fragrance… hard to describe… could be for either man or woman.


Peyton and Kyle both exchange looks mere seconds before Nathan comes out of the entranced state, seemingly of his own will.


Nathan: Why do you guys look that way? What did I say?


TRISTAN BERSANI’S APARTMENT, WEST HOLLYWOOD


Tristan enters his apartment, his chest a yummy display of ripped muscles. He had forgotten to bring a clean shirt with him to the Griffith Park run, and much to Heath’s disappointment, had opted not to go with them to Fancy’s for breakfast, partially because he didn’t have much cash on him, and secondly because he wanted to get to the bank before their early Saturday closing so that he could cash the check Callum gave him. Feeling ravenous, he heads straight for the kitchen, nearly breaking the handle off the refrigerator.


Tristan: Damn it!
Vittoria (entering): What now?
Tristan: There’s not a damn thing in this place to eat!
Vittoria: Yeah, that usually happens when there’s not money for groceries. Need I remind you of our financial situation?


Tristan (raising his hand): Look, I don’t want to have that talk again. Besides, I just got some money.


He produces the check and ostentatiously shoves it in Vittoria’s face, seeing her eyes glow at the majestic number written on it.


Vittoria: That should take care of this month’s rent, and you can pay me back for all the food you ate that was mine. I guess my share comes to about a quarter of that check.


Tristan: That’s all right. This is just the first installment. I’ll get more money out of Callum. I can pay you back for everything you’ve done for me.


Vittoria: By the way, did you take my Tentazione? (noticing the guilty look on his face)
Tristan: I may have used some of it yesterday when I was with this trick. You know it’s supposed to have an aphrodisiacal effect, and it worked like magic. He was horny as hell and must have come like three times in a row.


Vittoria: You ass! You know that shit costs me a few hundred bucks. It has to be imported from Italia, and it’s not available here in America.


She begins spouting profanity in Italian at him. He raises his hands in defiance, picks up a pillow, and throws it at her.


Tristan: All right, all right! I’ll buy you another bottle. Anyway, I think the bottle is in my backpack. I’m gonna run to the deli before heading to the bank to cash this puppy.


Vittoria: Bring back something for lunch!
Tristan: No can do! I’ll be in Santa Monica then.
Vittoria: What have you got to do there?
Tristan: Someone!
Vittoria: You know you’re a manwhore.
Tristan: I know. It must be this rock hard body. I look pretty damn good for my late thirties. I keep in shape, which is why you should come to one of the Outrunners runs with me.


Vittoria: Dickhead, I’m not gay!
Tristan: Yeah, but you carry a PFLAG card. Besides, we have the occasional wandering straight guy that shows up at our runs. See you when I get back!


STARBUCKS, OUTDOOR SEATING, WEST HOLLYWOOD


Nathan Moynihan arrived early at the Starbucks in West Hollywood. He needed to clear his head. Apparently, the hypnosis—while not being a complete success—did manage to open the investigation to the possibility of a perpetrator of the opposite sex. It wasn’t much to go on, though. They had mentioned something about a fragrance. After his meeting with Callum, Nathan decided he would go visit Brendon. He just has to wake up soon otherwise I’ll go mad. Nathan took a seat outside, and Callum approached him from the back, dressed in navy blue shorts and a white polo shirt, taking a seat in front of Nathan.


Callum: Good morning, Nathan.
Nathan: Morning, Callum. Would you like some coffee or tea? I’ll get it for you.
Callum: Yes, I’ll take some tea. Earl Grey if they have it.
Nathan: I’ll be right back.


As Nathan gets up to go purchase the coffee, Callum lays sight on his firm, compact butt and the lovely sight of his well-defined calves. His heart pumping, he takes a deep breath and observes his surroundings, seeing a shopping centre, restaurants, and a travel agency. He makes a mental note to come back to this place. Nathan comes back out with his tea, laying it in front of him.


Nathan: There you go. Steaming hot so be careful.
Callum: That’s just the way I like it.
Nathan: So, you got my emails about the donor policies and reciprocities?
Callum: I expect nothing in return, Nathan. I just admire you for your vision of imparting education to all. You know what, let’s just simplify the matter. I’ll make it an anonymous donation. There’ll be no need for bureaucracy.


Nathan: That’s awfully kind of you.
Callum (retrieving checkbook): Now, I know we never discussed the amount of the donation, but I think you’ll be pleased with this.


He tears the check from the book and hands it over to Nathan, feeling the warm flesh of Nathan’s hands and the hair on his knuckles briefly as the exchange took place. A quick jolt of ecstasy rushed through Callum’s body with this simple touch.


Nathan: Are you okay?
Callum: I’m fine. I was just taking in the view. I must confess that I had heard so many unsavory things about this part of town, but I don’t see any of the maneaters anywhere.


Nathan: Oh, you have to go further down Santa Monica Boulevard for that. In fact, if you’re planning on doing the Pride Run next week, you’ll get a good view of West Hollywood. All the WEHO clones will be out, and you’ll definitely see tons of maneaters.


Callum: Will you be running it?
Nathan: Well, my doctors say I should take it easy. I’ve only been out the hospital a few days. On their advice, I’ve sadly been reduced to having to walk the 5K.


Callum: There’s nothing wrong with walking. It helps to clear your head of any pressing thoughts.


Nathan: True, but I love running. There’s something about the thrill, the rush that goes through your body as you’re in constant motion. I guess you could say I’m a running addict. I enter and run marathons each month of the year. Of course, I missed out on May’s marathon due to the incident in the park.


Callum: Oh, yes… that’s right. So does your partner share in your love of running? Is he an addict?


Nathan (laughing): I love the way you say “partner” and “addict.” Your accent is very beautiful.


Callum: You like it?
Nathan: Yes, although I’m awful at imitating them. Brendon could do a great British accent.
Callum: So you’re Irish, right? I mean your surname is certainly Irish.
Nathan: Yeah, I guess. My father is originally from Ireland, but he immigrated to New York when he was a teenager.


Callum: Why do you say, “you guess?”
Nathan: Well, I was adopted. I don’t know my birth parents and never really wanted to find out who they were. I’m happy with the life and family I’ve been given. I only wish I could provide the same for all the parentless youth out there.


Callum: All this talk and you haven’t even looked at the check I gave you.
Nathan: Oh, I’m sorry. (looking at the figure) Oh my God! This is really too much.
Callum: Don’t mention it.
Nathan: No, seriously, this is really too much. You actually wrote 100,000 pounds instead of dollars. You’d be handing over twice that numerical amount to me.


He instantly snatches back the check, prompting Nathan to laugh hysterically.


Callum: Yeah, I must become accustomed to the exchange rate as it’s definitely in my favor. I’ll rewrite one for a quarter of a million dollars as a reward for catching my error.


Nathan: Not to pry into your business, but you’re quite young to have such financial privilege.
Callum: I’m a very wealthy widower, and besides that, I’m a bestselling international author.
Nathan: Oh really? Well, I’ll have to get to Barnes & Nobles after our meeting and place two separate orders for all your books—one for my personal library at home and another for the school library.


Callum (trying to suppress blushing): Oh, Mr. Moynihan, you’re absolutely too much!
Nathan: Well, honestly, I have to go to Barnes & Nobles anyway. I forgot to bring the book that I’m reading to Brendon, and I know he’s anxiously awaiting the next chapter. It’s a bittersweet romance story about this couple who were torn apart due to circumstances beyond their control.


Callum: Sounds interesting. What’s the title?
Nathan: It’s called “Our Autumnal Youth” (seeing the expression on Callum’s face) Oh, I see you recognize the title. Probably because it was a bestseller in your home country.


Callum (sotto voce): And because I wrote it. (aloud) So I take it that you like romances?
Nathan: Oh yes, my favorite book is Wuthering Heights. Really, how could you not love that famous quote that Catherine makes: “Nelly, I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind--not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself, but as my own being.”


Callum: I’m impressed that you know it by heart. It’s really a rather moving statement.
Nathan: It’s exactly how I feel about Brendon.
Callum (his blood boiling at the reference to Brendon): Oh really?
Nathan: Yes, we are one and the same. Even though he can’t speak or move, I feel the same way. I’m stuck in this paralytic state… I can move yet I feel confined. I can speak my thoughts but the true essence of them can never be conveyed. I really need to be with him.


Suddenly, Nathan emotionally breaks down, his eyes no longer able to hold back the tears. Callum reaches his hand across the table and gently lays it upon Nathan’s, the tactile sensation still present. In the background, a clicking sound of a camera can be heard followed by the crystallization of an image of two men, one reaching out to comfort the other.


Callum: I know exactly what you’re going through, Nathan. I miss my Gavin with all my heart. He was everything to me. My heart was entirely his and vice versa. If mine were to suddenly stop beating, his would beat on for the both of us—which is why I know that as long as there is breath in my lungs and blood in my heart, I shall always love him, and I know he’s out there looking for me.


Nathan: But he died, didn’t he? You said you’re a widower.
Callum: No, no… I can’t believe it. He is my life, and as long as I’m alive, he must be as well. At least you have a physical body to touch. They never found Gavin’s body in the Mediterranean so all I have are memories which with time shall flee from my possession.


Callum’s breaths become shallow as his eyes well with tears too potent to hold back. He raises his hands to his face to cover this raw emotional display. His nose begins to run, and he reaches for a napkin across the table, inadvertently knocking over Nathan’s coffee into his lap.


Callum: Oh, I’m such a clutz!
Nathan: Don’t worry about it. It’s wasn’t hot. I-I’m fine. Here’s a napkin for you.


Nathan reaches the napkin across the table, but for some unknown impulse, he uses the napkin to physically wipe away the tears and Callum’s runny nose as if he were a child—in spite of the natural fact that he was old enough to be Callum’s father. Nathan has to work a little harder due to Callum’s head being bowed down with his chin nearly resting on his chest.


Callum: Mr. Moynihan, you needn’t do that.
Nathan (softly spoken): It’s okay… and remember to call me Nate or Nathan.
Callum: I feel so embarrassed.


Callum looks up, raising his head and chin, instantly locking eyes with Nathan. A brief moment of mild, silent tension ensues before both heads move in unity toward each other. Their mouths touched, lips brushing against each other, and the tongues of each intruding that of the other. In that split second, another clicking sound could be heard in the distance. Nathan suddenly pushes away, raising his hand to his mouth, his fingers touching the sinful flesh of his lips.


Nathan (stammering): C-Callum, I am SO sorry for that. I-I didn’t mean to… I-I don’t know w-what came over me… please pardon me… I-I have to g-go now.


Nathan grabs his briefcase and possessions and rushes off, leaving Callum bewildered and confused. Callum raises his hands to his mouth, his fingers touching his lips as if hoping to keep Nathan’s presence on them and prevent its escape. He looks across the table and sees that in his haste to leave the scene, Nathan forgot the check, wedged underneath a napkin dispenser. Callum grasps it, staring at it.


Callum (talking to the check): I can see that you’ve given me the means for a follow-up to this love affair.


BRALEN JONES’ HOME, SANTA MONICA


Bralen performed his 500th crunch on his living room floor when the doorbell rang. He rose, grabbing a towel to wipe down the sweat that was cascading over his defined body. He opened the door to see the beaming face of Tristan Bersani. At his entrance into the apartment, the instrumental beats to Nelly Furtado’s “Promiscuous” begins playing in the background to the scene.


Tristan: Damn, Bralen! Being a pilates instructor sure does pay off for your body.
Bralen: Thanks, I was actually just about to start a personal session of pilates. Would you like to join me?


Tristan: I’ll pass. Remember I ran earlier this morning.
Bralen: Oh yeah, that’s right. I keep forgetting that not all of us can be athletic dynamos like me.


Tristan: You should be careful with that big head of yours.
Bralen: It’s not big yet… that is until you work on it.
Tristan: So you know why I came?
Bralen: I saw the way you were staring at me this morning.
Tristan: Yeah, I wanted to come by and congratulate you on making the final cut for the Olympics. I know you worked your ass off for it. (seductively approaching him) And I know that the coming weeks will be even more challenging for you.


Bralen: How so?
Tristan: I know you’ll have to abstain from any distractions. (reaching his hands into Bralen’s shorts and locking eyes with him) I remember my college football coach telling the team to abstain from sex in the days before a game.


Bralen: Well, I have several weeks left, not days… so I’m still in the clear (winking at him).


In one quick gesture, Tristan had Bralen’s shorts down to the floor, surrounding his ankles. They gently kissed each other before Tristan knelt down, Bralen’s erection in direct line with his eyesight. The warmth of Tristan’s mouth sent a euphoric rush through Bralen, whose fingertips lightly caressed the soft flesh of Tristan’s chin, teasing him to continue with his oral ministrations. Growing tired of standing, Bralen gestured for Tristan to move the action to the couch, where they both took a seat.


Tristan removed his shirt, and then resumed the task at hand, Bralen having placed a pillow behind his head so to be in further comfort. Once more on his knees, Tristan’s hands braced themselves on Bralen’s exceptionally defined quadriceps as his mouth and lips worked in zealous harmony, his sprightly tongue feverishly massaging Bralen’s hardness into ultimate pleasure.


Bralen’s breaths became deeper, and Tristan knew the time was nearing as he saw Bralen’s mouth begin to curl into an “O” followed by the high-pitched sounds signaling orgasmic release. The climax achieved, he swiftly turned his head and spat out the fluid.


Bralen (shouting): Not on my pilates mat!
Tristan: Well, I guess you won’t be using that one in class. (rising from the floor) Listen, dude, congratulations again. Good luck in Beijing.


Tristan’s cell phone rings. He can see from the caller identification feature that it’s Heath Alcott. He chooses not to answer the phone, sending it straight to voicemail. He then sends a quick text-message: WILL B THR SOON!


Bralen: What about you? Don’t you want to get off as well? (reaching his hand toward Tristan’s groin)


Tristan: I’ll take a rain check on that. I have to be somewhere now.


Tristan rushes into the bathroom. Bralen hears the sound of rushing water as he assesses the damage done to his pilates mat. Tristan comes out and kisses him.


Tristan: Thanks for a good time. Talk soon! Ciao!
Bralen: What do I do with this mat? I can’t use it anymore.
Tristan: Put it on Ebay or Craig’s List. (leaving the house)
Bralen: Good idea.

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES


Callum arrives home, still shaken over what happened at his meeting with Nathan. Upon entering the house, a blond woman is in the sitting room, cradling an infant in her arms, cooing him to sleep.


Callum: Inga, what are you doing in this room? You know you and the child can’t be seen yet.


He further admonishes her in Swedish, the tones of her native language further hammering home the urgency which he initially attempted to point out. She quietly leaves the room with the baby just as Godfrey enters it.


Callum: Godfrey, how is our other guest? Has he awakened?
Godfrey: Yes, Your Lordship, he’s come out his slumber and has been on a nonstop binge of profanity. I had to administer something to him to further weaken his resolve otherwise his youthful strength may have been too much for me had he possibly taken to challenging me.


Callum: I shall impart to you some wisdom which was passed onto me from my brief moments with Dr. Peyton Ashland. In matters of great physical strife, a good pair of handcuffs can be a godsend. You’ll find them in the chest in the cellar.


Godfrey: Speaking of Dr. Ashland, he left one of his possessions here when he was called away earlier this morning. However, that was several hours ago, and he has yet to come inquiring about it. Perhaps you can give it to him the next you meet or would you rather me put it in the post to his workplace address?


Callum: What is it?
Godfrey: It appears to be a small black book. I didn’t look inside, for that would have been most imprudent of me.


As Godfrey makes his comment about his personal propriety, Callum has opened the small black book. It had the “Outrunners” insignia embossed on the front cover, and Callum’s eyes lit up at the wealth of information inside: addresses, phone numbers, and various contact information for members of the organization.


Callum: Alas, Godfrey, I’m afraid that your eyes shall definitely see the contents of this little book because I want you to make photocopies of all the pages inside it.


Godfrey: Yes, Your Lordship. (leaving with the little address book)
Callum: All the pieces are falling into place for me to get what I want… (walking over the window and staring across the ravine at Nathan’s house) and who I want!


TO BE CONTINUED…