The Victorious and the Relentless

Episode 6: “We All Fall Down”


CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Godfrey (staring in disbelief at the gun in Callum’s hand): Your Lordship, I don’t think this is the right measure to be taken.

Callum: Why not?
Godfrey: You were always in admiration of Britain’s firm gun control laws.
Callum: We’re in America now, home of lenient—and one might argue nonexistent—gun control laws. More importantly, we’re in Los Angeles, home of gang violence, drive-by shootings, and where firearms can be purchased on every street corner along with pirated copies of the latest films—and that’s before they even premiere at the bloody cinema.

Godfrey: Would Lord Armitage approve of this?
Callum: I’m doing this for Gavin!
Godfrey: I doubt he would see eye to eye with you. He’d draw the line at you committing murder.

Callum: Oh, Godfrey, I know you’re right, but I can’t allow Allison to ruin everything. She’s managed to get Nathan to impregnate her partner Chloe.

Godfrey: I see. (pause) I’m afraid that does further complicate matters, but I suggest you find another means of dealing with Ms. Trudeau rather than blatant gunfire by your own hand.

Callum: I’ll think on it. That’s all I can promise you for now.
Godfrey (sighing): I shall get something for your injuries.
Callum: Thank you, Godfrey.

TRISTAN BERSANI’S APARTMENT, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Tristan had almost finished cleaning half his wrecked apartment when there was a knock at his door. Detective Kyle Walgrove had at last made Vittoria’s prophesied visit.

Kyle (entering upon Tristan’s gesture): What happened here? Looks like a tornado blew through.
Tristan: What brings you here?
Kyle: We need to talk about your roommate Vittoria Morelli.
Tristan (rudely): She’s not here.
Kyle: I figured that she wouldn’t be. I take it you know why I’m here.
Tristan: Actually, I don’t.
Kyle: Well, I’ll key you in on a few things. Vittoria was spotted two days ago, dealing drugs to none other than Justin Roberts in Hollywood. Of course, you know he’s gone missing since then. I just need to speak with her to see if she’s seen him at all. Nathan is going mad with worry over him.

Tristan: Is that the only reason you want to talk to her? To see if she’s seen Justin?
Kyle: She’s on probation, you know.
Tristan: Yeah, I remember the last time you busted her over on Hollywood Boulevard. But are you absolutely certain she’s dealing again?

Kyle: You’d know that more than I would. You live with her. (pause)
Tristan (dismissively): Well, I’ll let her know you dropped by.
Kyle: She knows how to reach me. (turning to leave)
Tristan: Give Heath my regards. You know I managed to push his limits the other day.
Kyle: Oh, yeah, how’s that? (turning around)
Tristan: I got him to run over the hill in Griffith Park.
Kyle: That must have taken some persuasion!
Tristan: Oh yeah… by the end, he was all sweaty and panting for breath.
Kyle: Well, I’ll have to joke with him about that. Thanks for being a running partner for him in my absence. Ever since this promotion, I’ve been so busy!

Tristan: Hey, it’s no problem. Heath’s a good buddy, one of the best kinds there are!
Kyle: All right, well, I’ll leave you to clean up your mess.
Tristan (sotto voce): Heath usually does that for me.
Kyle: Pardon? You say something?
Tristan: Only that Vittoria usually does that for me. You know how some women are neat freaks.
Kyle (leaving for the door): Well, if it’s true that she’s back dealing, she’ll be cleaning up her mess back in the slammer on an extended term this time. See you later!

Tristan (having dialed Vittoria’s cell phone): Where the hell are you? Kyle was just here looking for you.
Vittoria: I’m about to take care of business. I’m over at that bitch’s house. I’m going to silence her once and for all. It’s her word against mine, and with her out of the picture, Kyle has nothing to go on.

Tristan: Vittoria, don’t do anything foolish!

He was met with the familiar sound of the dial tone. She had once more cut off the connection. What was she up to? He had a sick feeling in his gut about this.

ALLISON TRUDEAU AND CHLOE DALTON’S HOME, LOS FELIZ

Allison Trudeau placed her right hand in a bowl of ice in a bold attempt to reduce the swelling. She was sitting in her kitchen when Chloe walked into the room, a look of astonishment cast over her face.

Chloe: What happened?
Allison: In two words: Callum Sutcliffe. I really socked one to him.
Chloe: Your hand looks awful.
Allison: If you think my hand looks bad, you should see his face.
Chloe: Oh, Allison, I really wish you would end this little feud you’re having with him. He’s just a kid, and I really don’t like all this violence. It’s not good energy and an environment in which to raise a child.

Allison: But you should have heard the things he was saying. Stuff like—
Chloe (interrupting her): I’ve heard it all from you. Or have you forgotten that you tell me all this stuff every night before we go to bed? Frankly, I’m tired of it.

Allison: But, Chloe, he had it coming! The stuff he was saying about you, me, and Nathan. It was just sick, and Nathan really needs to hear it sometime. You realize that Callum is trying to buy his way into Nathan’s life… first with the house next door to Nathan’s and now with a quarter of a million dollar donation to the school. He’ll stop at nothing!

Chloe: Allison, I think you should let Nathan handle his own problems.
Allison: What?

She took her hand out the ice and walked over to Chloe, wrapping her arms around her. She gave her a big hug and then stepped back to look at Chloe, whose radiant beauty had captured her heart over two decades ago.

Allison: I love you, Chloe. You know that.
Chloe: Of course I know that, and I love you, too, but I think for the sake of our baby, you need to end this vendetta with Callum. Nathan’s a grown man, and he can take care of himself.
Allison: I’m Nathan’s best friend, Chloe. I’ve known him all my life. I can’t just press a button and no longer care for him.

Chloe: That’s not what I’m asking you to do. All I’m saying is for you to stop inciting Callum. He may have a boyish crush on Nathan, but we both know that Nathan is fully committed to Brendon.
Allison: Yeah, well, Callum claims that Nathan kissed him yesterday.
Chloe: And if he did?
Allison: I can’t believe that you would even consider such garbage. He’s lying!
Chloe: Honestly, Allison, I could care less about whether Nathan kissed Callum or not. I just wish you would spend more time and energy focused on us than on Nathan and his possible temptation by Callum Sutcliffe!

Chloe makes her way for the kitchen exit when Allison steps in front of her.

Allison: Chloe, honey, you know I love you. I’m here for you.
Chloe: Between your interminable shifts at the hospital and your time devoted to Nathan, Callum, and Brendon, I feel like I come in fifth place.
Allison: That’s not true.
Chloe: Allison, I’m not looking to argue. In fact, all I want to do right now is lie down. I’m starting to get a headache.

Allison: Let me help you upstairs.
Chloe (calmly raising her hand): I can see myself upstairs. I’ll take a brief nap.

Chloe walked calmly out the room while Allison sat back at the kitchen table, her face an ocean of bewildered feeling. She gave a deep exhalation and rested her head in her hands. Had she turned around at that moment and looked out into the backyard, she would have seen Vittoria Morelli outside, the crest of her head stooped underneath the windowsill, her right hand curled around a sharp knife.

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Callum downed a gulp of brandy, waiting for Godfrey to return with the first aid kit. The doorbell rang.


Callum: I’ve got it, Godfrey!
Opening the door, he was shocked to see the Adonis-like figure of Nathan Moynihan.

Nathan: Oh my God, Callum, what happened!
Callum (gesturing to him): Do come in! (pause) Oh, I was attacked by some fiend in the park.
Nathan (standing): Did you see what he looked like?
Callum: Please take a seat. I foolishly went to see where you and Brendon were attacked.
Nathan: Trying to play Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot? You should leave that to Kyle.
Callum (smiling): Hardly! I went running and sat down for a bit. Along came this person, we chatted, and then I guess he hit me. I’m pretty certain the brute was an Anglophobe.
Nathan: Did you see what he looked like?
Callum: Androgynous comes to mind…

At that moment, Godfrey entered the room, carrying some ointment and bandages on a salver.

Godfrey: Would Your Lordship like—

He suddenly drops the salver, the ointment and bandages rolling onto the floor at the feet of Nathan.

Godfrey: Oh, I’m such a klutz! My apologies, Your Lordship.

Nathan prevents Godfrey from picking up the items, having dexterously retrieved them before Godfrey even attempted to bend to the floor.

Callum: Godfrey, I don’t think you’ve met our neighbor Mr. Nathan Moynihan.
Godfrey: No, I haven’t had the pleasure. (shaking his hand) Please pardon me for that awful faux pas.
Nathan: It’s okay. I think anyone close to Callum would be hypersensitive, given what’s happened to him.
Callum: Yes, Godfrey’s always been mindful of me. He was butler for the Armitage family for over four decades and was a personal confidant to my late partner Lord Gavin Armitage. In his will, Gavin stipulated that he wanted Godfrey to stay on as my butler. It’s funny that that’s the only stipulation in his will that the Armitage family is not disputing. So I know that Godfrey has somewhat of a bruised heart as if the family doesn’t want him— (turning to Godfrey) pardon my saying that openly.

Godfrey: It’s quite all right, Your Lordship. One should not feel shame over the truth.
Nathan: Your Lordship? So you’re a lord, Callum?
Callum: Well, I was married to one. Had I a pair of X chromosomes, I would be a Lady. It’s quite a touchy subject with the Armitage family, and only Godfrey refers to me that way. I believe he’s trying to please Gavin from beyond the grave.

Godfrey: I’m going to check on our other guests. Will His Lordship need anything else?
Callum: I’m fine, Godfrey. Thank you.

Godfrey leaves the room as the sweeping instrumental prelude to the befitting music and lyrics of Kate Nash’s “The Nicest Thing” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jLZzAsb0o4) plays softly in the background of the scene:

Callum picks up the ointment and begins applying it to his severely injured lip.
Nathan: Have you called the police? Kyle should be notified of this.
Callum: I’m pretty certain that Detective Walgrove has better things to be doing than looking for some buffoon.
Nathan: Oh, Callum, wait a minute… you put on a little too much.

Nathan reaches over and uses his fingertip to remove a gob of the ointment from Callum’s lip, instantly realizing his error when his flesh once more touched that of Callum’s. Their eyes briefly locked before Nathan turned his eyesight away.

Nathan: I’m sorry about that. I-I uh didn’t mean to do that—
Callum (candidly): Do what? Touch me today or kiss me yesterday?
Nathan (blushing): That’s really the reason why I came here. I really wanted to apologize for yesterday. It was wrong of me on so many levels… kissing you like that when you were feeling extremely vulnerable and then running out on you like that. I-I honesty don’t know what came over me.

Callum: Don’t worry about it. We were both under so much stress and heightened emotions. These things happen.
Nathan: I just want you to understand that I’m not like that at all.
Callum: I know you’re a complete gentleman. Please don’t fret over it. It’s the least of my worries right now. I must come up with a way of hiding this wretched injury.

Nathan (smiling): Well, I’ve been there before.
Callum: Oh really?
Nathan: Well, not in the sense of being injured facially, but Brendon once got very passionate with me, and gave me a hickey. I had a meeting with the Board of Trustees the next day, and I had to keep my collar turned up the entire time. I felt like Queen Elizabeth I in those old photos.

Callum (laughing): So you were a queen for a day. (pause) Nice play on words if I do say so myself.
Nathan: Yeah, good one. (pause) Speaking of your way with words, why didn’t you inform me yesterday that you wrote Our Autumnal Youth? I didn’t know you wrote under the pen name Simon Edgley.

Callum: Can you blame me for not wanting to further contribute to the awkwardness of that moment? You so much as told me that you fell in love with my words.

Nathan (his head bent down in pensive thought): Callum, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I-I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about my feelings. I-I just need for you to understand… you know what? I think this is my cue to leave. I just wanted to offer my apologies and clear up any confusion.

Callum: Why don’t you stay for dinner? We’re having roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, parsnips, carrots, and trifle for dessert. You’ll love it. It was Gavin’s favorite home cooked meal.
Nathan: I’m tempted, but I really should get home. I’m really worried about Justin. The police are doing all they can, and I should be at home just in case he does make a miraculous reappearance. I just feel awful about all this.
Callum: Oh, Gavin, don’t worry about it. I’m sure he’ll show up eventually.
Nathan: You just called me Gavin.
Callum: Did I? Oh, I’m terribly sorry… he’s always on my mind.
Nathan: No need to apologize. I feel the same way about my Brendon.
Callum (sotto voce): Except he wasn’t on your mind when you kissed me.
Nathan: Excuse me, did you say something?
Callum: I was just commenting to myself what a powerful love you have for him.
Nathan: It’s the same you have for Lord Armitage if I may call him that. By the way, do you have any photos of him? I certainly would love to see pictures of you two as you speak so highly of—

Callum: Uh, I-I haven’t finished unpacking all my stuff yet but I think I have (pause) some upstairs in my bedroom (pause) How inappropriate of me! That didn’t come out right.

Nathan: It’s okay. Maybe next time you can show me some of your photos. I’d love to get some ideas for the ceremony.
Callum: Ceremony?
Nathan: Our marriage ceremony… well, I mean mine and Brendon’s marriage. Now that it’s legal here in California, I think I’ll move forth with the preparations for it. I know you once told me that you and Lord Armitage had a very romantic wedding. In fact, I was just speaking with Allison, and she feels that Brendon and I should get married the second he awakens.

Callum (exclaiming loudly): No!
Nathan: I beg your pardon. Why not?
Callum: I didn’t mean to sound so emphatic, but that seems a little too rash. I mean most patients who awaken from comas aren’t exactly in their right mental faculties to go through with an impromptu bedside wedding.

Nathan: I guess you’re right. I didn’t think of it that way.
Callum (sotto voce): And neither did that wench Allison!
Nathan: I’ll make certain we get married a few days afterwards. Anyway, I should get going.

He rose from the couch. Callum likewise got up to see him to the door and, opening it, was shocked to see Dr. Peyton Ashland standing in the doorway about to press the doorbell.

Nathan: Peyton! It’s good seeing you. So you’re here to pay Callum a visit?
Peyton: Yes, we have some “business” to handle.
Nathan: Okay, well, I’ll leave you two to it. Nice talking with you, Callum. See you later.

Peyton enters the house as Nathan leaves. After the door is closed, Peyton’s demeanor totally changes.

Peyton: Look, Callum, I need that DVD right now.
Callum: Are we back on that train again? Why would I hand it over to you? You’re supposed to be taking care of Allison for me. You see this injury to my face? She’s responsible for it! And now the bitch is planting thoughts in Nathan’s head about marriage to Brendon.

Peyton: She hit you?
Callum: What do you expect from an uncivilized woman? She’s upset that Nathan is falling for me.
Peyton: Nathan loves Brendon.
Callum: Blah blah blah… what else is new? I guess you haven’t heard the news yet from Allison. Nathan kissed me yesterday. She indubitably thinks I’m lying, but I’m betting that if she confronts him about it, Nathan will be forced to tell the truth, being the honorable man that he is.
Peyton: I’m tired of talking about Nathan. I need that DVD.
Callum: No…
Peyton: You don’t understand, Callum. I seriously need some peace of mind.
Callum: Too bad you weren’t thinking that way ten months ago when you were seeking a “piece of ass.”

Peyton: I’m not going to be your accomplice in destroying Nathan and Brendon’s relationship, and I’m definitely not going to ward off Allison for you.

Callum: Nathan’s resolve is waning fast. His kissing me was evidence of that, and had you not shown up at an inopportune time just now, I would have persuaded him to stay for dinner, and I’m certain he would have loved dessert.

Peyton: I’m glad to know that I stopped you from sinking your claws into him.
Callum: You’re sounding more and more like Allison, which is not good since she’s on my hit list now. Speaking of hits, I just realized you could help me get rid of Allison.
Peyton: How so?

Suddenly, Godfrey enters the room, announcing that dinner is ready.

Callum: Godfrey, make sure our guests are served. Dr. Ashland and I have to take a trip over to Ms. Trudeau’s home.

Peyton: We do? This is my first time hearing this.
Callum: If you want what’s in my safe, you’ll go with me. Tonight, we’re going to role play.
Peyton (going along with Callum’s game): And which role am I playing?
Callum (opening the door and pushing him out): The most important one… that of my alibi!
Godfrey (rushing up to Callum as he’s exiting): I’m begging you, My Lord, please don’t do this.
Callum: It’s beyond my control, Godfrey. All will be lost if Allison is not stopped dead in her tracks. Your little gaffe was an unconscious reaction to what I’ve been telling you, and now you believe me.

Godfrey: Surely, there is another way than guns. You’ll get caught! Please think this through!
Callum: Godfrey, thanks for reminding me. I was about to foolishly leave unprepared. (grabbing the pistol from the wooden box) Please have dinner ready for me when I get back. I’m sure to have a raging appetite then.

NATHAN MOYNIHAN’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

The music of Billie Myers’ “Kiss the Rain” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MibKBAnjhU) plays in the background of the following action:

Nathan rushed to his car, started the engine, and sat in it for a few seconds, thinking over his recent inability to fully lay out limits for Callum. While it was true that Callum had not overtly misread him, he wanted to take Jeremy’s advice and make certain to Callum that he knew that yesterday’s kiss was wrong. Or was it? Yes, it was! But it felt so right!


He willed himself to think of Brendon as he drove the short distance back to their home. I initiated it. I’m rightfully to blame for any fallout from it. I must tell Brendon when he awakens. Or does he even have to know? Nathan knew that the kiss had been a powerful force that took him to a special place within those few seconds. I even touched him again just now. What the hell is wrong with me? He got out his car, unlocked the front door of his home, rushed to the phone to see if there any messages on the answering machine—none—and then went upstairs to his bedroom to take a nap. Foregoing any need for protocol by way of pulling back the bedspread, he threw his body onto the bed. Something hard stabbed against his back on contact. Reaching his hand underneath, he withdrew the hardbound book. It was the copy of Our Autumnal Youth that he hadn’t been able to find. It must have slid over to Brendon’s side when I last read it in bed before retiring for the day a few nights ago. It was just as Jeremy had said…he couldn’t even get away from Callum, and ironically in this case, not even within his own bedroom. Nathan opened the book and resumed reading from where he had last left.

ALLISON TRUDEAU AND CHLOE DALTON’S HOME, LOS FELIZ

Vittoria waited outside in Allison’s backyard, having once attempted entering the house, but Allison stayed downstairs in the kitchen, preparing something on the stove. Her vendetta was with Chloe, not Allison, and she didn’t want to shed any innocent blood. Besides, Allison looked pretty strong and may prove a difficult challenge should they get into a fight. After what seemed like an interminable time, Allison went upstairs, finding Chloe in her bedroom, awakening from her nap. She went over to her and sat on the bed next to her. She kissed her tenderly.

Allison: Chloe, I’m so sorry. I don’t want us to ever argue like that again. You mean the world to me, and I want you to know that.
Chloe: I love you, Allison. I just want you to be here for me and our child.
Allison: From this moment forth, I’m totally committing to you and this baby (placing her hand on Chloe’s belly)
Chloe: Your hands are very warm. What were you doing downstairs? I smell something cooking all the way up here.
Allison (taking Chloe’s hands in hers): I prepared something special for us. We’ll have it after our walk in the park. I thought it would be great for us to go see the sunset. Are you game for it?
Chloe (hugging and kissing Allison): With you, I’m game for anything.
Allison: Come on, if we leave now, we’ll have time to find our special spot to see the sun setting.
Chloe: I’ll get my coat just in case it’s too cool.

Chloe rose and went into the closet, pulling her jacket off the rack. They then went downstairs. Allison checked the oven to make sure that their dinner was cooking well, and then they headed outside through the front door. Vittoria had crawled around to the front yard’s entrance on the side of the house, her presence kept secret by the vines curling across the wooden gate.

Chloe: Do you think the park will be full this time of evening? It’s still tourist season.
Allison: I’m sure we’ll have our special spot to ourselves. Griffith Park is huge, you know.

They got inside the car, the engine started, and it backed out the driveway and sped off in the direction of Griffith Park. Vittoria emerged from her hiding spot, and having overheard the location of their final destination, rushed to her car down the street, and headed in the same direction. As if by my some strange magnetism, Callum’s car was speeding in the same direction, Peyton having pointed out to him that Allison and Chloe were just pulling out of their driveway. All three parties seemed destined to converge at the appointed location of Griffith Park.

GRIFFITH PARK, LOS ANGELES

The park had been restored to its pristine quality after that morning’s festivities with the Pediatric AIDS Foundation Charity Run/Walk. Allison and Chloe pulled up to the parking lot alongside the Outrunners Saturday morning meeting location near the park ranger’s station. Vittoria’s car sped farther up the hill, parking several yards away from them. She got out her car and observed the couple from afar, who were now hugging each other and beginning to walk across the street in the direction of the horse trails. Callum drove his car higher up the hill, passing Vittoria and instantly noticing her presence.

Peyton: Why did we follow Allison and Chloe here? They’re probably just talking a romantic walk.
Callum: Stay right here… I need to speak with someone.

Callum got out his car and rushed down the hill just in time to reach Vittoria, who herself was about to move in the direction of Allison and Chloe.

Callum: Going somewhere, Vittoria?
Vittoria (spinning around): Do I know you? Are you a cop?
Callum: Would a cop be wearing designer originals? I’m Callum Sutcliffe, and I know why you’re here.
Vittoria: Oh do you?
Callum: Yeah, I wasn’t born yesterday, dear. You and I are cut from the same cloth. We like to rid ourselves of those nuisances that threaten our survival. For the past ten minutes, I’ve watched you follow Allison and Chloe from their home to this park.

Vittoria: Tristan told you, didn’t he? I swear he can’t keep his big mouth shut.
Callum: Don’t blame him, dear. That mouth of his will inevitably get him into trouble. At any rate, I’m here to help you.

Vittoria: Excuse me?
Callum: Well, you can’t do away with Chloe with a knife. Don’t try to hide it from me. I saw it when I was coming down the hill. You were brandishing it as if you were some sultry villainess. I think you need to elevate to a better weapon (producing the gun and attempting to hand it to her).

Vittoria: What the fuck?
Callum: Take it! This way you can get rid of them both from afar, and it won’t be so messy.
Vittoria: My beef is not with Allison. It’s with her bitch girlfriend, who went to Kyle.
Callum: And you think Allison won’t figure out that you were behind her lover’s death? You’d be the first suspect they would call in.

Vittoria: I-I don’t know about this.
Callum: Vittoria, I’ve got your back. I give you my word that nothing will happen to you if you do this job for me… just take care of them both! I’m a very powerful, wealthy man, and I needn’t tell you what that means here in Los Angeles, land of celebrity slap-on-the-wrists for felonious crimes. You saw the check I wrote out to Tristan. I could write you one ten times that amount should it come to your having to ditch town to evade the law.

Vittoria (stammering further): I-I r-really don’t know
Callum (forcing the firearm into her hand): Of course, you know that Kyle Walgrove won’t stop until he finds someone to blame for Justin’s disappearance, and right now you’re suspect numero uno thanks to Chloe Dalton. You haven’t much time to get rid of her.

Vittoria: You promise you’ll handle Kyle?
Callum: Don’t worry about Kyle Walgrove. I’ll take care of him. His troubles are only about to begin, and believe me, you’ll be the last thing on his mind when they come crashing down on him.

Vittoria took the gun, slipped it into her purse alongside her knife, and rushed down the hill in the direction of the horse trails where she saw Chloe and Allison, walking, hand-in-hand together. She had managed to reach several feet away from them and hid herself behind a large, greenish shrub. Allison and Chloe had stopped in the middle of the trail to have a brief conversation while Allison bent down to tie her shoelaces. This granted Vittoria long enough time to pull out the gun and point it in their direction, aiming it directly at Chloe. Her hand curled around the trigger and pulled back.

Nothing happened. The gun seemed to have jammed. She fumbled with it. In that short span of time, an equestrian appeared in the distance coming toward the couple, its horse a majestic creature of beauty. Vittoria, having fixed the gun, now aimed it in Chloe’s direction, and started to pull the trigger, but just as she did so, she lost her balance, her high heeled boot slipping on a rock. The gunfire rang out like a firecracker within a nursery, its noise blindingly frightening, and scaring the horse, which began galloping at a fast pace. Out the corner of her eye, she saw Allison drop as if she had been hit. The equestrian had to pull harshly on the reins, but by that point, the horse had run close upon Chloe, who was standing in disbelief. Vittoria pulled the trigger again, mindless of the direction, and this time the horse neighed on its hind legs at a screaming Chloe, the equestrian losing his balance and falling to the hard ground. Completely petrified as if her feet had grown sturdy roots and taken permanent residence in the earth, Chloe stood in shock, her throat emitting screams that further antagonized the frightened creature. Its hooves came knocking down into her fragile body, sending her flying sideways into the wooden railings. The horse continued galloping in the direction of Vittoria, who holding the pistol and greatly satisfied with what she saw, waited in the bushes as the horse passed her.

Vittoria surreptitiously escaped the scene of the crime and rushed in reverse through the trails and back to the park ranger station—which would undoubtedly receive reports of gunfire soon. She met back up with Callum at the top of the hill, breathless, the gun now secured in her purse.

Callum: Did you get the job done?
Vittoria (puffing for air): We need to get the fuck out of here now!
Callum: While I would like to see the carnage, I do agree with you in that we should both leave at once! The authorities needn’t question us when they arrive to cot off Allison and Chloe’s bloodied corpses.
Vittoria: Let’s just go right now!
Callum: Meet me back at my place. Here’s the address (handing her a card). I’ve already phoned Tristan. He’ll be there waiting for you.

Their meeting adjourned, Vittoria rushed back to her vehicle, got inside it, and sped off the down the hill to the main park exit. Callum got into his car.

Peyton: Why did you bring me here? And why do you keep getting out the car?
Callum: I brought you here for us to see the sunset together. Isn’t it beautiful?
Peyton: You’re up to something. Where are Allison and Chloe?
Callum: I imagine they are enjoying their own personal sunsets. Anyway, let’s get back home for some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. I insist you dine with me.
Peyton: I’m willing to do just about anything to get that DVD.

Callum started the car and drove off into the sunset in the direction of his home in Hollycove, completely satisfied with the damage that he had just wrought.

TO BE CONTINUED…

The Victorious and the Relentless


Episode 5: “Warfare and Weaponry”

The evocative music of Lamb’s “Gabriel” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEUWFvT16f8 ) underscores the emotional intensity of the following scene:

Nathan Moynihan rushes to his car, enters it, and speeds carelessly down Santa Monica Boulevard, car horns honking at him as he races in the direction of Hollywood Hospital. His mind was a sea of confusion and anxiety. What have I done? He thought, feeling a knot of guilt swell in his stomach. That kiss was absolutely wrong.


He made his way to the hospital, and going through the necessary procedures was allowed entrance to see his partner Brendon. Nathan wondered why there was a security officer positioned outside the door. Brendon was still looking in a state of fixed peace in his bed. He sat in the seat that was quickly becoming his second home and once more interlaced his fingers with those of his lover and looked at him affectionately. He brought his lips to kiss Brendon’s fingers, paranoiac ally thinking that these were the same lips that had foolishly kissed Callum in his moment of emotional grief. Please forgive me, Brendon, his mind kept beseeching of his inert partner. I don’t deserve you.

He thought of how he had made a complete mess of everything. Adding potential adultery on top of poor supervision over a delinquent minor, he felt insecure as a human. He wanted to get up and call Kyle and tell him to do whatever necessary to ensure they find Justin. He just didn’t want to ever leave Brendon’s side again for fear that he may become a victim of temptation. Tears welled up in his eyes once again. I need to speak with you!

Nathan: Do you remember how I would always chide you for getting into the express lane at the supermarket when you clearly knew you had more than 10 items in your cart? (pause) Well, I did that today prior to going to Starbucks.

At the reference of Starbucks, Nathan felt another stab of guilt, foolishly thinking that Brendon would miraculously awaken from his deep sleep and inquire if there were any other reason for him having gone to Starbucks other than for coffee. He raked his hands through his hair, accidentally brushing the soft spot of his temple where he had been hit.

Nathan: You know Peyton put me under hypnosis today. Apparently, I remembered something that while being insignificant could potentially help them in the case. Of all things, they said I spoke about some fragrance that I smelled right before I guess I was attacked.

He rose from his seated position and kissed Brendon on the lips.

Nathan: I forgot to bring our book. I was supposed to go to Barnes and Noble after Starbucks to get another copy, but I got distracted by…

He bit his tongue once more, mindful of the fact that he was about to betray himself. Why does my mind keep going back to Callum? What magic has that kiss thrown on me? He bit his knuckles hard. He had to put Callum and what happened between them out his mind. It was an innocent kiss. That was all. He thought to tell Brendon of other wonderful things.

Nathan: I’m not sure if Allison told you the good news, but she and Chloe are going to have the baby. The doctors are optimistic that she’s out of the woods and will be able to carry the baby to term. Just think that we’ll all be a family by the end of the year, and I’ll be a father. I just hope I don’t make a mess of things like I did with Justin. I really need you to forgive me for that(standing up and inhaling a deep breath) I’m happy for them. I wish you could see how joyful and in love they are. I’ve never seen Allison happier.

He looked up and saw Jeremy Dodd entering the room. Jeremy had been his paternal figure ever since he joined Outrunners over fifteen years ago. He walked over to the man and hugged him.

Jeremy: How are you holding up, Nathan?
Nathan: I’m hanging in there. I can’t say for how much longer.
Jeremy: You just have to be patient and faithful.
Nathan: It’s been three damn weeks, and he hasn’t awakened yet. I’m starting to give up hope. Everyone keeps telling me that all will be well, but I know they’re lying to me. Everyday it’s the same thing. I come in, talk to him, he just lies there, motionless and silent. (pause) I feel so empty inside… so lifeless myself… I want to so desperately feel something.

His mind went back to the kiss that he felt not less than thirty minutes ago. That was something that he definitely felt that had temporarily filled the void to which he had just made reference.

Jeremy: Nathan, are you okay? You look very pensive.
Nathan: Yeah, I-I’m fine. I just need to…
Jeremy: Rest! Allison has told me that you’ve been very busy. You need to take some time off.
Nathan: I have to preside over graduation at the end of this upcoming week. I have to find Justin, and I have to steward the donation from Callum…

Jeremy: Callum? Oh, so you’ve met him. He’s a fine boy.
Nathan: Boy being the operative word. He’s very young but also very mature.
Jeremy: Yeah, you’re practically old enough to be his father.
Nathan: That’s the last thing I need to hear… any reference to my being a parent.
Jeremy: So Callum is making a donation to Hollycove Prep?
Nathan: Yeah, a sizable one at that… this stays between us, Jeremy, but it’s a quarter of a million dollars.

Jeremy (making an exclamatory whistle): And what does he want in return?
Nathan: Nothing. It’s an altruistic contribution. He genuinely wants to do good things, and I’m really impressed with his focus, energy, and passion.

Jeremy: Nathan, I must confess I’m beginning to worry that something is amiss here. The way you’re talking about him sounds like… well, it sounds as if you’re…

Nathan: Say no more, Jeremy. I know what you’re thinking. You’ve always had a sixth sense about these things. Callum and I had a very intimate conversation earlier today, and I really got to understand him. He’s gone through a lot in his short life.

Jeremy: As have you, but from what I’m witnessing right now, I think you should cool things down with this boy. I know that he has taken a deep infatuation with someone… that was evident from his presence in Santa Monica earlier this week. I had assumed it was Tristan, but now I’m starting to think that perhaps he may be harboring some feelings for you, which can only spell trouble.

Nathan: Jeremy, it’s really nothing. We just share a love of fine literature and education for all children.

Jeremy: Nathan, your defenses are down. You’re quite vulnerable, and I’d hate for you to make a terrible mistake that could cost you your relationship with Brendon.

Nathan: I’m going to go downstairs to the cafeteria and get something to eat. Would you like something?

Jeremy: You’re dodging the issue. Anyway, you know I hate hospital food, and I could have sworn you said the same thing the other day—when you were a patient—about the toxic waste that they pass off as food here.

Nathan: I just need to get away for a bit. I really wanted to read to Brendon, but I forgot to stop by the bookstore and purchase another copy of our romance story.

Jeremy: Which one are you reading to him?
Nathan: It’s called Our Autumnal Youth, written by Simon Edgley. I can so easily relate to the main character that loves his partner with all his heart and must go through so many unspeakable struggles to be with his one true love. It’s quite an emotional wallop of a story as it resonates so well with me at this stage in my life. I thought it was a shoo-in for the Booker Prize. Edgley has such an accomplished vision about life and love.

Jeremy (sighing): So you can’t seem to pull yourself away from Callum even now?
Nathan: What are you talking about, Jeremy? I haven’t mentioned Callum for the last three minutes.

Jeremy: I thought you knew that Callum wrote that novel. It’s written under one of his pseudonyms.

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Godfrey walks into the sitting room, handing Callum the photocopied pages of Peyton’s little black book, whereupon he’s instructed to place the book back where it was found.

Callum: I’m sure that Peyton will be round shortly. Has Justin had anything to eat?
Godfrey: The last time I checked on him, he was still asleep.
Callum: I’ll go look in on him right now.

He walks up the stairs and heads down the long hallway to the room where Justin was held captive. Using the keys, he enters the room, beholding the sight of the listless teen lying in bed, his right hand manacled to the bedpost. He looked to be in a deep sleep. Callum was about to leave the room when he tripped and nearly fell over Justin’s skateboard. It was at that moment that he noticed the boy’s backpack lying in the corner. It had completely slipped his mind to check it.

He picks it up, rummages through it, takes out the cell phone, instantly noting that Nathan had attempted several times to call him. He places the cell phone in his pocket and continues looking through the contents, finally coming across the paper bag. He extracted its contents, staring in amazement at it.

Callum: What have we here? I wonder if your uncle knows about this.
Godfrey (entering the room): Your Lordship, there’s a phone call from Armitage & Burnham.
Callum: Thank you, Godfrey. I’m sure it’s about my manuscript deadline. I shall have to put several of my plans on hold.

Out of the blue, Justin began stretching, his range of motion cut drastically short from his being tethered to the bed. The lucidity of the moment awoke him to the fact that he was not in a familiar setting.

Justin: What the fuck is going on here?
Callum: You passed out here at my place last night. You don’t remember that? At any rate, I wanted to make certain that you didn’t leave until your uncle Nathan knew you were safe and sound here with me.

Justin: He’s not my damn uncle! Let me go! Unlock these damn handcuffs!
Callum: In due time, my friend.
Justin: I’m not your friend. What the fuck do you want?
Callum: Your uncle really should have washed your mouth out with soap. To answer your question, I don’t really want anything from you except your cooperation.

Justin: Just let me go!
Callum: If I unlock that handcuff, you have to promise to behave yourself. Now, I went through a lot of trouble to make sure that you have a good experience here. Remember I gave you two concert tickets to Coldplay. They’re right there on the stand next to your bed. Godfrey, please unlock him.

Justin: You’re lying. Why did you lock me to the bed? Is this some fucked up queer shit?
Callum: I had to make certain that you wouldn’t leave the house until I spoke with Nathan.
Justin: I don’t want to see him. I’m not going back there!

Callum: Then stay here. You’ll have your own room and room service. You have access to the swimming pool and tennis courts outside. There’s no need for you to leave so soon.

Justin: What’s the catch? I’m not giving my ass up to you.
Callum: Is sex the only thing on your mind? I’m not interested in any sexual relationship with you. I tend to fancy men with a modicum of savoir-faire, something which I’m sure you lack.

Justin: Why are you doing this? (pause) Well, if you’re not going to tell, I’m sure Kyle would love to hear how you kidnapped me and held me hostage.

Callum: I do admire your gall, Justin. However, you should know I always have a contingency plan. I found a lovely stash of puff in your knapsack. I’ll hand that over to Kyle as well when he comes by the house, and naturally they’ll take you back to Nathan’s place. Should your uncle Brendon die—perish the thought—you’d be stuck with Nathan for another year or two until you’re deemed an adult, that is unless you decide to runaway again, in which case I doubt you’d make it out there on your own. It’s a big world out there.

Justin: I can take care of myself.
Callum (laughing): With what? You haven’t any skills for a decent-paying profession. You haven’t even a high school diploma.

Callum reaches into his wallet and withdraws a note and hands it to him.

Justin: What the hell is this? Paper money?
Callum (realizing his error): Hey, don’t knock that £20 note. That’ll be worth like $100 next week, given the current state of your tanking American economy. Nonetheless, perhaps, this will shut you up some. The real deal! (handing him a $100 note)

Justin: Thanks, dude!
Callum: And there’s more from where that came as long as you keep quiet about our arrangement.

Justin: What do you want?
Callum: Don’t worry. I only need you to stay here a few more days. As I said, you’ll have complete access to all my home’s amenities. The only caveat I give is not to go beyond the pool otherwise you’ll be in direct sight of your uncle’s home. He cannot learn of your presence here just yet.

Justin: Can I invite some friends over?
Callum: Did you not just hear what I said! No one—and that includes any of your friends—must know that you’re here.

Justin: Then I’m going to need some serious entertainment.
Callum: Such as?
Justin: For starters, an X Box.
Callum: Please make a list of all the items you need to have for your entertainment and give it to Godfrey. Meanwhile, I’ll have the cook prepare you something to eat. Just buzz us if you need anything.

Callum and Godfrey leave the room. The moment the door closes behind them, Justin leaps out the bed and grabs his knapsack, noting that both the marijuana and his cell phone were missing. He had no way of contacting anyone. I’ll play along with your game a little bit, but I’m getting the hell out of here just as soon as I get more money. Downstairs in the sitting room, Godfrey and Callum are holding a discussion.

Godfrey: I don’t believe the child is to be trusted.
Callum: Neither do I. We’ll humor his demands for the few days, and then take care of him. The ravine outside seems a nice resting place for the aftermath of an accident. I’m hoping it won’t come to that, although Nathan would need someone to comfort him should such a tragedy befall him. Two deaths one after the other… first Brendon and then his nephew!

Godfrey: Is that all Your Lordship requires?
Callum: I’d love a cup of tea while I go through Justin’s phone queue.

He withdraws the cell phone and begins looking through its recent call history. Suddenly, Callum’s eyes latch onto a number with which he had become rather familiar the past few weeks—that of Tristan Bersani’s residence. What’s the connection between you two?

HEATH ALCOTT AND KYLE WALGROVE’S HOME, WEST HOLLYWOOD

The hypnotic and seductively apropos music and lyrics of the Sneaker Pimps’ “6 Underground” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8teT_9_nqnw) form the background music for the following scene:

Caught in the throes of heated passion, Heath and Tristan’s fiery bodies unite in sweltering intercourse. Heath, on his back, looked up into Tristan’s eyes as another almighty thrust from the Italian stallion sent his entire body reeling into a state of intense rapture, his heartbeat accelerating, his eyes rolling back, and his breathing uncontrollable. With each successive plunge, Heath further spurred Tristan’s burgeoning aggression, continuously smacking his exposed buttocks until they reddened. Tristan bent down to kiss Heath, the perspiration from his brow and chest falling onto Heath’s body as he continued his rabble-rousing, sensuously biting Tristan’s lower lip, tugging on it with his teeth.

Tristan: You like it rough, eh?
Heath: I love you, Tristan…

Did I just say that? In that silent moment that followed, Heath wished he had bitten his own lip. Thankfully, Tristan continued with his energetic pumps, perhaps not once thinking what Heath had truly meant in that instant. He carried on wondering if it had been an accident to speak his mind. Without warning Tristan banged into him too intensely. Heath reacted without thought, driving his nails deeply into the flesh of Tristan’s back, his ensuing cry piercing the air. Tristan separated his body from Heath’s, exhaling a huge amount of breath and tensing his back muscles.

Tristan: That was out of this world, babe!
Heath: Glad you liked it. So you want to finish this in the shower?
Tristan: I honestly should get going. You know tomorrow is the Pediatric AIDS run, and I should get rested up for it. Are you coming to it?

Heath: Yeah, Kyle and I are both registered for it, though I doubt he’ll run. He’s always busy.
Tristan (kissing him): But I’m here to keep you occupied.
Heath (sighing): Oh, Tristan, you’re such a wonderful man.
Tristan: You really think so?
Heath: Yeah, I do. At least you don’t cut me off when I phone you to see what you’re doing for lunch.

Tristan: Well, at least Kyle’s not phoning to see who you’re doing for lunch.

Both laughing at the humor, Heath grabbed Tristan, pulling him forward for a long, sensuous kiss. Parting their lips, they once more stared into each other’s eyes, Heath more so feeling himself hypnotized by Tristan’s and wanting to drown himself in them. Tristan bent down once more for another brief kiss before propelling himself out the bed.

Tristan: Whew! I worked up an appetite. You got anything to eat?
Heath: Sure, check the fridge. There’s plenty of food left over from last night. Kyle didn’t eat anything I prepared for him.

Having warmed the leftovers, Tristan began devouring the food, complimenting Heath on how flavorful and great it tasted. He kissed Heath tenderly on the lips before leaving. It suddenly occurred to Heath that Kyle had not complimented him on his cooking in a number of weeks.

GRIFFITH PARK, SUNDAY MORNING, PEDIATRIC AIDS FOUNDATION RUN/WALK FUNDRAISER

The morning sunshine lit up the gorgeous beauty of Griffith Park as set-up for the Pediatric AIDS Foundation Fundraising Run/Walk was in full swing. Allison and many other Outrunners were helping with volunteer duties. Chloe Dalton was setting up the water station when Tristan ran up to the meeting place.

Allison: Bersani! Over here! You’re late!
Tristan: Sorry, Your Highness. I did bring help. I managed to coerce my roommate Vittoria to help out. Hey, what’s this about Justin? I got home last night and saw Kyle on the news. Justin’s been missing for over two days. I saw his picture on the television.

Allison: Well, he ran away from home. He and Nathan got into an argument, but you know that Justin’s been through a lot. He lost his mother less than a month ago. I’m not excusing his behavior as I understand that he caused a lot of strife for Kyle and Heath.

Tristan (sotto voce): In more ways than one for Heath… (aloud) so put me to work.
Allison: You can help Heath with registration for now, but I’m going to need you at the finish line. So where’s your friend? I can put her on water duty.

Tristan: She’s on her way. She stopped at the bathroom. I’m guessing to apply makeup and lipstick.
Allison: You did tell her this isn’t a meat market.
Tristan: Try telling her that. Oh, here, she comes right now.

Vittoria crosses the street and approaches them, wearing sunglasses. Tristan introduces her to Allison. They shake hands, and then Allison assigns her to work on water duty. She then goes over to the water table to help Chloe pour water into the cups. Chloe felt a strange sense around Vittoria.

Chloe: Do I know you?
Vittoria: I don’t think so. This is my first time here, and I don’t know anyone from this group.
Chloe: Oh, I could have sworn I knew you from somewhere.

Chloe chose not to speak any further as the woman didn’t seem that friendly, and honestly her body piercings did little to endear her presence. But there was something about her that caused Chloe to feel a general sense of unease. As Vittoria was pouring the water into the cup, she turned around and the wind blew up her camisole, revealing the snake tattoo. The grotesque image struck Chloe’s mind like a bolt of lightning.

Chloe immediately recoiled at the image and remembered where she had seen first seen Vittoria. She was with Justin two days ago… the day he went missing. She was the one who had sold him marijuana on the street corner in Hollywood.

Chloe: You!
Vittoria (turning around): Yeah, am I doing something wrong? The demonstration seemed simple. Pour water into the cup. Pour water into the next cup… and so forth.

Chloe: I know who you are! You sold those drugs to Justin!

Vittoria’s pupils dilated at the reference of drugs, especially as they were in a public place, and Chloe’s voice carried in the wind.

Vittoria: What are you talking about?
Chloe: I saw you in Hollywood two days ago, selling drugs to Justin Roberts. It was outside Lou’s Deli.
Vittoria: You must be mistaken, lady.
Chloe: Don’t play innocent with me. I saw you and fully remember you now. You gave him a brown paper bag that had marijuana in it. It was around one in the afternoon two days ago. Now Justin’s gone missing, and no one knows where he is. What have you done with him?

Vittoria (backing away): Look, lady, I think you may have me confused with someone else…
Chloe: Do you know where he is?
Vittoria: Who are you talking about?
Chloe: Justin Roberts. Stop playing dumb! He’s missing, and his picture was on the evening news last night. If you know anything about his whereabouts, I suggest you come clean now. I know Detective Kyle Walgrove, and I’m sure he’d be interested in knowing that you’re Justin’s dealer.

At the reference of Kyle’s name, Vittoria bolted away from Chloe and collided into Allison.

Allison: Hey, watch it! (approaching Chloe and kissing her gently on her lips) What was that about?

Chloe: Who was that woman?
Allison: Her name’s Vittoria. She’s Tristan’s roommate. Why? Is there something wrong?
Chloe: You had better call Kyle right now. That girl knows something about Justin.
Allison: Oh, lord, here comes trouble. I see Callum approaching the registration table. (accosting him) What are you doing here?

Callum: I beg your pardon. I’m one of the sponsors of this event. I made a generous donation of $10,000 this past week, especially when I learned that Outrunners would be participating in it. Besides, it’s for a great cause.

Allison: I technically can’t throw you out then.
Callum: Alas, you can’t… besides it’s taking place in a public park. So is Nathan here?
Allison: Is that the only reason you came?
Callum: That and as I said before…the cause.
Allison: You’re so full of yourself, thinking that money can buy you respect and a place in a man’s heart. But as I recall it, that’s exactly what happened back in Britain, right? You weaseled your way into a rich man’s heart.

Callum: You know, Allison, it amazes me that someone of your academic standing can be marred by such foolishness. You know not to believe everything that you’re told… after all, your parents most likely told you that you would grow up and be swept off your feet by a stunning man... boy, were they ever wrong!

Allison: Callum, go find that rock you crawled out from! Some of us here are actually trying to do some good for the children.

Callum: Well, if you need me, I’ll be over in the sponsors’ booth.

He turns to walk away when his foot hits something, nearly sending him headfirst onto the ground. Looking down, he sees an ornate crystal bottle and picks it up. It was clearly a fragrance container with the word Tentazione inscribed upon it.

Callum (holding it up): Oh, Allison, is this yours?
Allison: No, it’s most likely yours… used to cover your stench.
Callum: Tentazione! It’s Italian for “temptation.” How appropriate!
Chloe: It was probably that wretched woman’s. She certainly looked Italian. It probably fell from her handbag when she bumped into you, Allison. I was trying to tell you before we were interrupted that I saw her two days ago in Hollywood. She was selling drugs to Justin. We need to contact Kyle right now, and let him know that Tristan’s roommate may have something to do with Justin missing.

Having heard this, Callum stealthily bowed out the conversation. Armed with an arsenal of information that was now slowly beginning to fall into place, he started to move away from Allison and Chloe.

Callum: Well, I’ll just take this toilet water over to the park ranger’s station for the lost and found. I’ll see you two ladies later.

He walked across the street to the park ranger’s station but neglected to go inside it. Holding up the fragrance bottle, he remembered what Peyton had told him what Nathan had said under hypnosis. How the fragrance had seemed exotic. Could this be the fragrance? And what would Tristan’s roommate have to do with any of this? Callum picked up his cell phone and dialed Tristan.

Meanwhile, Tristan had been reassigned to do work at the finish line when he got a text message from Vittoria, telling him to meet her immediately. He at once called her.

Tristan: I’m working the finish line now. I can’t leave post otherwise Allison will kill me.
Vittoria: Look, we need to talk. Call me back as soon as you’re free.
Tristan: What’s wrong? You sound very strange. Is everything okay?

The connection broke, but then he got another call—this time from Callum.

Tristan: What is it, Callum? I’m sort of busy right now.
Callum: We need to talk. Now!
Tristan: Look, Allison will have my neck if I abandon post now.
Callum: Just ditch your duties and pass them onto someone else! I need to see you immediately. We can do brunch at Guiseppe’s and the bill is on me. Free mimosas!

Tristan: Sounds like a deal to me!

NATHAN MOYNIHAN’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Nathan had awakened in enough time to make it over to Griffith Park for the Pediatric AIDS fundraiser, but his body felt it as if were being held under a load of iron weights. He subsequently fell back asleep and didn’t wake until half past nine. He hadn’t got much rest last night, having to speak with all the news crews about Justin missing and pleading with the public to notify the police if they saw him or knew any information about his whereabouts.

He made a quick breakfast of cereal and fruit and sat outside on his porch. He missed sitting out there with Brendon, having their morning coffee and listening to the chirping birds. He soon would get ready to go to the hospital to check on him, but he felt he would be greeted with the same news. What was the old saying? No news is good news. Except in Justin’s case! Where could he have gone? Nathan was worried and sick to his stomach. He placed the thousandth call to Kyle’s cell phone, asking him if there were any updates in the case. He dressed, left for the hospital, sat beside Brendon for nearly two hours, and came back to his house at one in the afternoon just as Allison was pulling into his driveway.

TRISTAN AND VITTORIA’S APARTMENT, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Vittoria had lain low all the afternoon. She kept waiting for Tristan to call her back, but he never did, forcing here to flee to a friend’s place where she continued to worry about the cops questioning Tristan about her. I have to get home and pack! She attempted to ring Tristan again around three, and this time he answered. He said that he got held up by Callum at a long, drawn-out brunch.

Vittoria: Have you spoken with anybody else?
Tristan: Vittoria, what the hell is going on? You’re sounding all cryptic.
Vittoria: Did that Allison chick or her girlfriend ask you any questions?
Tristan: I’m sure I’ll have an earful from her. Callum dragged me away from the finish line, and I had to get another volunteer to cover for me midway through the run. I’ve been with him ever since.

Vittoria: Meet me back at the apartment. You go there first and make sure that the coast is clear… no cops around.

Tristan: Oh, no, Vitt, what have you done this time?

She characteristically broke the connection before he could get anything out of her. He drove back to his apartment only to find the door ajar. He pushed it and went inside.

Tristan: Vittoria? What the hell?

His eyes fell on the mess that was his apartment. The couch and furniture were overturned, papers and trash was scattered all over the floor. His place had been burgled. He rushed to his bedroom. It, too, was in an absolute state of disarray. He heard someone enter the apartment. He went back to the living room to find Vittoria standing in the doorway.

Tristan: You know anything about this?
Vittoria: It was that bitch. She said she was going to tell your friend the police detective about me.
Tristan: What have you done this time?
Vittoria: I only sold him some weed, but she thinks I have something to do with him missing.
Tristan: Who? Are you talking about Justin, Brendon’s nephew?
Vittoria (her eyes enlarged): WHAT? He’s related to Brendon.
Tristan: And you sold him drugs? What the hell were you thinking?
Vittoria: I didn’t know who he was. I just thought he was one of those bratty Hollycove Prep kids.
Tristan: That still doesn’t explain why the place was burgled.
Vittoria: The cops were here. She sent them here.
Tristan: Okay, back up a moment. Who sent the police here?
Vittoria: Allison’s girlfriend. I don’t know how but she recognized me from when I sold Justin the weed two days ago. She threatened to tell Kyle about me, and apparently that’s what she’s done. The cops came here looking for me and the drugs except I wasn’t here.

Tristan: Vittoria, the cops wouldn’t have had time to get a search warrant from a judge, especially on a Sunday morning. Go check and see if your stash is still here. Maybe it was one of your “clients” who couldn’t wait for his next fill.

She goes into her room, tripping over the mess, heading straight for the hideaway of her drugs in the secret compartment under her bed. The drugs were all gone. Fury seethed within her as she stormed out the room.

Vittoria: The cops were here. I know it. All my stash is gone. Oh my god, Tristan, they’re going to put me back in the slammer. You know the judge was lenient this last time, but he gave me that warning. I’m on probation. I can’t go back in there!

Tristan (walking over to her): Calm down, Vittoria. We don’t know everything. Let me just make a call to Kyle and see if he knows anything.

Vittoria (jerking away from him): No! You can’t call him. He’ll come back here and arrest me. You know he’s arrested me several times before for prostitution. Oh, Tristan, I can’t go back.

Tristan: I’ll call Heath and find out if he knows anything. He won’t betray me.
Vittoria: Yeah, well, forgive me if I don’t trust any of your damn friends, starting with that fucking dyke!

Tristan: Hey, watch your mouth! Chloe’s a nice woman!
Vittoria (withdrawing a sharp knife from her purse): Yeah, well, now she’s a dead woman!
Tristan: Hey, cool it, Siciliana!
Vittoria: No, she’s going down for doing this to me! And you had better not get in my way, Tristan. You’re already in this too deep or have you forgotten?

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Callum arrived home around three in the afternoon, having had brunch with Tristan. He had to hold Tristan’s attention for several hours while the men ravaged through Tristan’s apartment, Callum having supplied them with the address from Peyton’s black book. All the men found were some stash of drugs, a few chests of jewelry, and a box of books. Callum would go through the majority of it later that evening. One thing was certain: Vittoria was Justin’s dealer.

At any rate, he wanted to see Nathan again. I want a sequel to that amazing kiss from yesterday. He left his home and ran the short distance to Nathan’s home—but as if the fates were once more against him, he met Allison Trudeau as she was exiting the house and heading for her car.

Allison: What are you doing here? What part of stay away from Nathan don’t you understand?
Callum: Shouldn’t you be at Ellen Degeneres’ wedding? Oh, I forgot that your invitation was purposely lost in the mail. At any rate, I’m coming over for business purposes.

Allison: Yeah, right!
Callum: I’m serious. I came over here because Nathan forgot the check I had written out to Hollycove Preparatory School.

Allison: Once more, you’re using money to weasel your way into people’s lives.
Callum: Well, this one is a generous donation (flaunting the check in front of Allison’s eyes) and Nathan will be expecting it.

He makes a move onto the porch to knock on the door when Allison seizes him by the wrist.

Callum: Let go of me!
Allison: Go home, Callum! Nathan doesn’t need your money. He doesn’t need anything from you.

Callum: This is very important to him. It’ll help him to achieve his goal for quality education for the masses and not just the rich and elite.

Allison: It’s just another attempt of yours to get Nathan, and I won’t let it happen. (snatching the check from Callum and tearing it to pieces) That’s what I think of your generosity! Now leave!

Callum: You stupid cow! That was a quarter of a million dollars you just ripped!
Allison: I don’t care. Nathan’s not to be bought.
Callum: And just how much was he paid to give you his sperm?
Allison: What the hell are you talking about?
Callum: You know, Allison, I knew from the start that you were harboring amorous feelings for Nathan, but to persuade him to donate his sperm for your partner to carry his child, that’s rather twisted.

Allison: How do you know about that?
Callum: Never mind how I know. The fact remains that you’ll still never have a connection with Nathan. His connection to his child will be through Chloe so once again you’ve lost on a precious opportunity with Nathan, but I imagine your womb was deemed too aggressive for an innocent babe to rest in for nine agonizing months.

Allison: What’s your point, Callum? Yes, Nathan is the father of our baby.
Callum: Doesn’t that just eat away at you? The fact that Chloe is carrying the baby of the man that you secretly love!

Allison: You’re sick!
Callum: But once Nathan and I are together, we’ll have to figure what to do with this child. I’ll have to pressure Nathan to send it off to boarding school. We should move forward and put a name on the waiting list for Eton just in case it’s a boy.

Allison: You’re completely delusional. Nathan would never get together with you, and you’ll never have anything to do with my child.

Callum: You’re wrong on so many levels, Allison. As I said before, it’s not your child—biologically speaking—and secondly Nathan and I have developed a strong connection as evidenced by the kiss he gave me yesterday.

Allison: What planet are you on? Nathan would never ever do anything like that.
Callum (sighing): I see you’re going to make this difficult. He kissed me in front of dozens of people at the Starbucks in West Hollywood yesterday. I know that has to be hard for you to hear, but he really fancies me. I’m sure he’s been thinking about me all day as have I of him.

Allison: I’m about ten seconds from calling the cops and having them haul you away for trespassing on private property.

Callum: You and your petty threats, Allison. You’re just jealous that he actually kissed me… that he wants me over you… that Chloe is carrying his baby… but if you’re really nice to me, I may make a concession one evening and permit a threesome among us. I’ll naturally turn my head away during the process.

The sharp crackling sound emanated throughout the wilderness as Allison’s hand slapped across Callum’s face, the sting of which was still burning in his cheeks.

Allison: That was for insulting me!
Callum (recovering himself): I’m willing to forgive you for tha—

The force of Allison’s fist colliding into his face knocked him back several feet, his fall broken by the ground’s hard gravelly surface. He felt warm blood fill the inside of his mouth, evidence of his burst lip.

Allison: And that was for lesbians everywhere!

His head still spinning from the impact, Callum stayed on the ground a few seconds, his fingers at his mouth’s corner, pressuring into his lip to stop the blood flow. Regaining his bearings, he rose from the ground, the look of murder in his eyes.

Allison: What? You want some more? (pause) No more pithy comments? No more putdowns to make?
Callum (wiping away blood): I have only one remark to make, Allison. You will live to regret this. (turning to walk away but then suddenly turning back to face her) On second thought, you won’t live to regret it. You’ll die regretting it.

He silently walks back to his home, entering it to the shocked face of Godfrey.

Godfrey: Your Lordship, what happened?
Callum: It’s but a minor cut. Nothing like the one I’m going to give Allison Trudeau. She wishes to play hardball… so be it! I’ve had enough of her!

He walks over to the safe in his private sitting room, puts in the combination, and pulls out a wooden box. He opens it and brandishes a shiny, silver gun. He holds it up to his eyesight.

Callum: It’s time to take care of Allison Trudeau once and for all!

TO BE CONTINUED…

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…