Saturday, November 8, 2008

The Victorious and the Relentless

Episode 12: “Crash and Burn”

HOLLYWOOD HOSPITAL, BRENDON ROBERTS’ ROOM, FRIDAY MORNING

The sound of Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Like a Star” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e19eZJX8QHY) opens this episode. Though the spat with Nathan unsettled him, Brendon Roberts slept quietly in bed, having forgiven Nathan for his numerous lies of omission. It was true love they shared. Every relationship has its trials. I nearly died, my partner is potentially cheating on me, and my son—who believes he’s my nephew—has ran away. Life was much simpler prior to this summer. There was routine to our lives. Breakfasts on the patio with the sunlight filtering through the vines, lunch meetings with Nathan at the academy (when my schedule permitted it and if the film shoots were in close proximity to Hollycove Prep), and of course those special candlelit dinners at home with wine and classical string music playing in the background.

Nathan is so warm and gentle, his body a tower of muscular beauty. I have longed to feel that body ever since the last time when we were interrupted in the park. I had started to lick his chest, feeling the flesh of his nipples and the raging hardness in his shorts. I was ready for our bodies to unite.

But then the attack ruined everything! Precious time had been lost, and now the lines were firmly drawn. Brendon had enemies, one of which was Callum Sutcliffe. All the others he would handle in due course, but he didn’t know enough about this guy other than what Allison had told him. Why is he so interested in Nathan? That answer to that question would solve many problems. Little did he know that it would create more!

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Callum had barely bitten into his buttered crumpet when the doorbell rang, and Godfrey soon came into the dining room to announce Drake Michener.

Callum: At this early hour? (pause) Send him in.

Drake: Good morning, Callum.

Callum: To what (or to whom) do I owe the honor of your visit?

Drake: I really needed to speak with you.

Callum: Drake, it’s the 21st century. Telephone or email would have sufficed. Of course I realize nothing beats a real face-to-face conversation with me. (pause) Where are my manners? Would you like some breakfast? There’s tea, juice, fruit—

Drake: Thanks, but I’m fine. I came to ask you about Justin Roberts.

Callum: Isn’t he the missing teenager?

Drake: You really should take acting lessons. You know damn well who I’m talking about.

Callum (taking a sip of tea): Yes, he’s Brendon’s nephew.

Drake: And he’s staying in this house.

Callum (resisting the urge to spit out his tea): What on earth are you talking about?

Drake: I saw him here the other day when—

Callum (cutting him off): You and Dr. Ashland were snooping around in my private sitting room.

Drake: I saw Justin outside by the pool.

Callum: And you’re absolutely certain it wasn’t the poolboy? Listen, Drake, I can assure you that I have no juvenile delinquents in my home. As you can see, it’s a mansion, not a halfway house!

Drake: His picture was on the news and in the newspapers. I know what he looks like.

Callum: Where were you when you thought you saw him? Were you outside? A few feet away? Or perhaps several yards away?

Drake: I-I was inside.

Callum: So you don’t really know what you saw?

Drake: I know I saw—

Callum: Someone, yes, but not Justin Roberts. I think I would know if someone wanted by the law were hiding out on my estate, taking advantage of my amenities.

Drake: I guess you’re right, but I’m not putting anything past you.

Callum: Drake, I know we got off on the wrong foot when we first met, and it appears you got off on the wrong cock this morning—but that doesn’t give you the right to start these outlandish allegations.

Drake: I know you’re up to something.

Callum: I’m up to having you thrown out my house if you persist in this conspiratorial behavior. Who put you up to this? Was it Allison? You’re too thick to be playing private dick.

Drake (insulted): I’m leaving.

Callum: I was beginning to think you never would.

Drake (storming for the exit): I don’t trust you, Callum.

DR. PEYTON ASHLAND’S OFFICE

Peyton sat in his office, growing more anxious with each passing second. Callum had managed to corner him once again. The gun had his fingerprints on it, and that bastard still had it in his possession. I should just come clean with the police and tell them everything. But Callum said the DVD was in Allison’s office. Maybe she doesn’t know about it, but we’re not exactly on speaking terms. But I have to try.

He rose, used the intercom to tell his secretary he was stepping out. She told him that his 10:00 appointment canceled at the last minute, and he would be seeing Chloe at 11:00. This was the perfect opportunity to snoop in Allison’s office and possibly find the DVD. He rushed to her office, finding it closed and locked. His hands kept jerking the handle, hoping it would jar the door open, and then he thought to quietly throw his weight against it. As he attempted that endeavor, Kyle approached him, startling him.

Kyle: I can get Allison if you need her.

Peyton (turning to leave): Oh no, it’s okay. I’ll talk with her later today. I-I just left something in her office last week.

Kyle: Peyton?

Peyton (turning around): Yeah?

Kyle: The other day I walked in on an argument between you and Allison. To me it seemed a bit heated. She was threatening you with something she knew about you.

Peyton (suddenly perspiring): W-What are you talking about? What would give you an idea like that?

Kyle: Because I heard every word of it. Neither of you think I did. I’m a cop, remember?

Peyton: Look, you know how Allison can get.

Kyle: I’m going to level with you, Peyton. Some new evidence has come to light, regarding the attacks on Allison and—

Peyton: Evidence? Like what?

Kyle: Well, it’s more like testimony. The horseback rider provided his statement, claiming it was a man that shot at Chloe and Allison. The description and profile sketch fits you to a tee, Peyton.

Peyton: That’s ridiculous!

Kyle: Yeah, I’m tempted to agree. Sometimes these sketches aren’t that accurate, and besides you were with Callum the night of the shooting, right?

Peyton: Yeah, right.

Kyle: So he’s your alibi. Besides, we still don’t have the weapon so it looks like you’re off the hook for now. (laughing before his cell phone rings) Excuse me.

In fumbling for the phone, Kyle dropped his briefcase, and a photo of Vittoria slipped out onto the floor. Peyton bent down and picked it up.

Peyton: Should Heath be worried that you’re crossing onto the other side?

Kyle: She’s a nasty piece of work. I wouldn’t get involved with her. She’s my main suspect in the attack on Allison and Chloe.

Peyton: Oh really?

Kyle: Chloe said that this woman was selling drugs to Justin Roberts before he went missing. (pause) Why the sudden interest in her? Are you thinking of converting?

Peyton: No, she just—

Kyle: Looks familiar? Yeah, that’s because she’s Tristan’s roommate. Anyway, I need to get ready for the Outrunners banquet this evening. Talk with you later.

Both Tristan and his roommate were at Callum’s home the night of the shooting, and he secretly met up with them. I had joked that he was blackmailing them, but what if this woman really did shoot at them? She had motive. Oh, Callum, you devil, you’re responsible for this one way or the other.

TRISTAN BERSANI AND VITTORIA MORELLI’S APARTMENT, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Vittoria and her attorney Estrella Tartaro are seated at the table in Vittoria’s apartment.

Vittoria: You were a godsend yesterday, coming to my rescue.

Estrella: You should thank Mr. Sutcliffe for calling me.

Vittoria: He is a man of his word. He’s even allowing me to stay here rent-free.

Estrella: Vittoria, he owns this building. (pause) So what’s the deal between you two? You his girl?

Vittoria: Oh no, he’s gay. We just have an arrangement.

Estrella: I’ve worked long enough in this town to know when someone’s being used so don’t try pulling the wool over my eyes.

Vittoria: What’s it to you? He’s paying you good money for your services.

At that moment, the door opened and Tristan came into the apartment, carrying a suitcase.

Vittoria and Estrella: Tristan!

Both women turn to each other.

Tristan: Estrella, what are you doing here?

Vittoria (turning to Estrella): How do you know him?

Estrella: Long story. I’ll tell you another time. (turning to Tristan) You must be her roommate. To answer your question, I’m representing Vittoria.

Vittoria: Callum hired her to clear my name of any connection with the attacks in Griffith Park.

Tristan: Oh really?

Estrella: It’s all circumstantial evidence, and well, Detective Walgrove had a conflict of interest, and I’ve been notified of his reassignment to a different case. I came by to tell Vittoria that she’s definitely out of the woods since the horseback rider gave testimony that it was a man who fired at Dr. Trudeau.

Tristan: Well, I guess that means you’re off the hook thanks to Callum.

Estrella (to Tristan): So you know Mr. Sutcliffe?

Tristan: Otherwise known as Lucifer. Yes, I’m well acquainted with him.

Vittoria’s cell rings and she excuses herself from the room.

Estrella (rising from the table) So how well do you know him? (crossing over to him and laying her hands on Tristan’s shoulders) I had forgotten how strong you were.

Tristan (brushing away from her): I keep busy at the gym.

Estrella: You always had legendary strength. You always knew how to hit the right spot with me. Why, I remember that time you made me cum eight times in a row.

Tristan: Shh! Keep quiet about that!

Estrella: What? You’re afraid she’ll overhear us. I’ve seen her rap sheet. She’s traded skin just like you. Have you done her as well?

Tristan: Hey! Stop that talk. Vittoria’s like my little sis. We’ve practically known each other since we were in diapers in Italia.

Estrella: Okay, well, I had wondered where you had gone. I haven’t been with you in a few months.

Tristan: Look, Estrella, I’m turning over a new leaf in my life. I’m no longer escorting.

Estrella (coming onto him once more): Have you missed me?

Tristan (hesitantly): Of course. You were one of my highest paying clients.

Estrella: Yes, I was. I took you on many international trips with me. Remember last Christmas in Prague?

Tristan: Estrella, I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t make reference to my past life.

Estrella: Okay… as you wish (she impetuously gives him a kiss, leaving a red lipstick mark on his chin)

Bralen (entering the apartment): Whew! It’s getting hot outside. Oh, hi there… didn’t know there was company.

Tristan: Oh, Bralen, this is—

Bralen: Oh, my goodness! I recognize you from Court TV. You’re—(scratching his head)

Estrella: Estrella Tartaro.

Bralen: I was just about to say that. You represented that actress Lindsay Slocumb when she crashed her car outside the Abbey on Robertson Boulevard.

Estrella: She was being chased by the paparazzi, you know… fucking bastards they are!

Bralen: Tristan used to moonlight as one.

Estrella (sotto voce) Among other things. (aloud) Is that so?

Bralen: Yes. So how do you know him? (walking over to Tristan and wrapping his arm around him)

Estrella: We’re old friends. (smiling) You know how we Italians stick together.

Bralen: Babe, who’s been kissing on you?

Tristan (feeling awkward): Vittoria, my roommate, was just so happy to see me.

Bralen: So, Estrella, I understand you’re representing L.A.’s newest celebrity couple, the Debenhams.

Estrella (noticing the shocked look on Tristan’s face): Oh yeah, they want me to take down the bastard that took nude photos of them, and I aim to bring him down to his knees.

At that moment, Vittoria enters the room.

Vittoria (to Bralen): Who the hell are you?

Bralen: My name is Bralen.

Vittoria: Oh, you’re the one Tristan’s fucking this week.

Estrella (emphatically) What?

Vittoria: Nevermind. Estrella, let’s take this conversation down to the pool. It’s beautiful outside. Besides, my whore of a roommate needs some alone time.

Estrella: Well, it was nice meeting you again, Tristan. (turning to Bralen) and you, too, Mr. Jones. Good luck in Beijing.

Bralen (blushing): Oh, you know about me?

Estrella: Yes, I know some about you (and turning to Tristan) and now I know a little more about you too. Ciao!

They leave the room.

Bralen: I thought those bitches would never leave. (pushing Tristan into the bedroom and slamming the door shut behind them)

FANCY’S RESTAURANT, GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, FRIDAY NIGHT

It was an annual tradition on the Friday prior to Pride Weekend for the Los Angeles Outrunners Club to have a special dinner at Fancy’s , the same restaurant where they would normally have breakfast after the Saturday morning runs. The main banquet room had been reserved for the occasion, and its walls were decorated with poster-sized photos of the group’s top runners/athletes. Nathan and Bralen’s faces greeting them—images of both crossing the finishing lines in various marathons and winning the top slots in their respective age fields.

Allison, Chloe, Drake, Austin, Bralen, and Tristan were all present in the room along with numerous other members of the organization, enjoying food and fellowship.

Allison (to Chloe): Are you fine with coming here? You’ve been very quiet.

Chloe: I’m a bit tired but otherwise fine.

Allison: Are you sure you don’t want to leave? If so, I can get someone else to speak.

Chloe: No, you’re the club’s acting vice president, and since Nathan couldn’t make it, you must make the annual speech kicking off the group’s celebration of Pride Weekend.

They kiss before Allison ascends to the podium and taps on the microphone.

Allison: Good evening, everyone, I hope that you’re all enjoying the delicious food here at Fancy’s and that you’re all hyped for the weekend. We have a whole slate of events planned for this weekend’s festivities.

At that moment, Callum entered the banquet hall pushing a stroller. Allison immediately excused herself from the stage, insisting everyone continue eating, and rushed down onto the floor to confront Callum.

Allison: How dare you show your face here!

Callum: You conveniently keep forgetting that I’m a member of this club.

Allison: After what you’ve done, I could kill you right now.

Callum: Cool it, Lezzie Borden! I haven’t done anything.

Allison (dexterously pushing him out both the banquet hall and out of earshot of everyone): I don’t give a damn what Kyle or anyone else thinks, I know you’re behind the attacks on Chloe and me.

Callum: T’is a pity that Detective Walgrove was reassigned.

Allison: How do you know about that? I’m sure that you had something to do with it.

Callum: You and your allegations! Why don’t you get another summer pastime? Try teaching shop class at West Hollywood High.

Allison: You’re guilty as sin, and so help me God, I’m going to prove it.

Callum: I need a drink. I don’t know how Chloe tolerates you.

Allison: Don’t you dare say her name after what you did to her!

Callum: What I did to her? As I understand it, either Mr. Ed or Seabiscuit is to blame for your loss.

Allison (raising her hand to strike): You bastard!

Callum (grabbing her hand before it strikes him): Not this time, Xena!

At that moment, Kyle comes out the banquet hall and sees the spectacle before him.

Kyle: Am I interrupting something?

Allison (jerking her hand away from Callum): No, I-I-

Callum: I was just telling Allison that she should take her frustrations out on the horse. Look at this way: she’ll get some glue and probably some threats from PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals).

Kyle: Callum, I think you should not be upsetting Allison. Perhaps you should leave the restaurant.

Callum: I came here quietly, and I have every right to be here.

Allison: Kyle, you should have heard him earlier.

Kyle: Look, Callum, I understand that you want to participate in club activities, but I’m—

Callum: Just looking out for Allison. You needn’t lie about it. I know the spell she has over you lot. After all you came by my house for that little interrogation based solely on her petty accusation.

Allison: You threatened me!

Callum: And you assaulted me and damn near did it again just now.

Allison: I wish I had.

Callum: Detective, I demand you take her into custody.

Kyle: I’m afraid it doesn’t work like that, Callum.

Callum: Oh, I see. Take her side, Detective. You’ll be dealing with a lot soon anyway.

Kyle: What’s that supposed to mean?

Callum: Well, you were reassigned after all. You’re best mates with Nathan, Brendon, Allison, and Chloe, all of whom were viciously attacked—and that has clouded your judgment in objectively investigating these cases.

Kyle: Excuse me, but who the hell are you to be saying such things?

Callum: I’m so sorry to have stepped on your toes. It wasn’t like you were making much progress. You’re no Sherlock Holmes, but then again when was the last time your city police force ever solved a crime. Ever since the Black Dahlia murder case, you guys don’t know your heads from your tails.

Kyle: You have some nerve I think you should go now.

Callum: Or what?

Allison: He’ll throw you out. (pause) No, we should be civil, Kyle. We’ll have the manager throw you out on your ass.

Callum: Oh my, my, my… did you two not get the memo? I own this place.

Kyle: What?

Callum: I bought it a few days ago. I acquired two businesses, an apartment complex in West Hollywood and this restaurant here in Glendale.

Allison: He’s lying. Where’s Enrique? He’ll throw him out for us.

Callum: I see you didn’t get the second memo. I sacked him… gave him the pink slip and his walking papers.

Allison: Oh, look there’s Angie. Angie! (beckoning for her) She serves us every Saturday morning.

Angie the waitress comes over.

Angie: Hi, Allison. (turning to Callum) Hi, Mr. Sutcliffe.

Kyle: You know him?

Callum: Duh!

Allison: He claims to have bought this place.

Angie: That’s right.

Callum: Angie, would you please see to it that the Outrunners party gets our best wine?

Angie: Yes, sir. (she leaves)

Callum: Now that you have some confirmation of my claims, I think I shall proceed forth with my official duty as owner. (He goes off and returns with a sign that reads “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone,” ostentatiously showing it in Allison and Kyle’s eyesight.) Don’t you just love how one can still discriminate people in America long after your country’s historical civil rights movement? (turning to Kyle)

Allison: I think I speak for the both of us when I say we’re leaving.

Callum: That was my objective.

Kyle guides Allison back into the banquet hall as Heath exits it on his way to the bathroom, exchanging a brief glance with Kyle. As the door closes behind them, Heath walks over to Callum.

Heath: What was that about?

Callum: Nothing really. I was attempting to take out the garbage.

Heath (snappishly): Whatever! I don’t want to get embroiled in your shit with Allison.

Callum (taken aback by Heath’s words): What’s up your ass? (pause) It’s certainly not Tristan—pun definitely intended.

Heath: Spare me your thoughtless remarks, Callum.

Callum: Really, what’s the matter?

Heath (sighing): It’s Tristan.

Callum (throwing his hands up emphatically): What else could it be? What’s he done now that’s got your knickers in a twist, (winking at him) assuming you’re wearing any.

Heath: It’s not so much Tristan as it is Bralen. He’s in there, slobbering all over Tristan.

Callum: What do you want to do about it?

Heath (cryptically): Did you get my message?

Callum (placing his hands on Heath’s shoulders): I thought you’d never ask. I did get it, and trust me when I say that by the end of this weekend, Bralen Jones will regret ever getting on your bad side. (pause) Anyway, I’ll contact you with details, but right now I must see to other matters.

Callum goes to the banquet hall in time to see Kyle getting his stuff, Allison getting her belongings together, and Chloe holding the baby in the corner, cooing at him. Edward! Bloody hell! I left him alone when that wretch had dragged me out the room!

Callum (rushing up to Chloe): Thanks for looking after him.

Chloe: He started crying. I thought I had lost him.

Callum: I’ll take him now.

Chloe (pleadingly): No, please let me hold him a little longer.

Allison (coming over): Chloe, come on, we’re leaving now.

Chloe: What about the speech?

Allison: Drake will say some words on behalf of the Board of Directors. Come on now, let’s head out.

Chloe (holding the baby closer to her bosom): I can meet you back at the house.

Allison: Chloe, honey, give the baby to me.

Callum: I’m his father. Give him to me.

Chloe: No!

Allison: Kyle, could you help me?

Kyle (coming over): Allison, what’s the matter?

Chloe: They want to take my baby away from me.

Allison (inching towards her): Honey, that’s not your baby.

Chloe (stepping back from Allison): Oh, yeah, I keep forgetting. It’s our baby. How selfish of me.

Kyle (Allison having turned to him, a solicitation for help in her eyes): Chloe, let me hold him.

Chloe: Promise you’ll give back to me. (Kyle nods) There you go, hold his head carefully.

Allison (looping her arm around Chloe’s waist as Kyle hands the baby over to Callum): Let’s go home.

Chloe (shouting and drawing attention of others present in the room): Not without my baby!

Bralen comes over and helps Allison carry an uncontrollably emotional Chloe out the room. The last image all see of her is her screaming with tears coming forth. Callum places the baby back into his stroller just as Allison comes up to him.

Allison: Look at what you’ve caused!

Callum: Don’t you dare try to pin this on me. Your lover’s most likely off her rocker, having lived so long with you.

Allison (turning to leave): Rot in hell!

Callum: Allison, I’ve had a change of heart. You’re welcome anytime here at Fancy’s even when you elect to skip on the gratuity as you’re doing now.

Allison (grabbing the nearest glass of water): Here’s the gratuity! (splashing the water in Callum’s face) Stay the hell away from Chloe!

Allison storms out the room to the cheers and applause of Drake, Peyton, and Bralen for her embarrassment of Callum, who wiped the water from his face, grasped the stroller, and quickly took his leave of the festivity.

TWO HOURS LATER, TRISTAN BERSANI’S APARTMENT, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Bralen and Tristan return back to Tristan’s apartment complex.

Bralen: That was awesome how Allison threw that water in Callum’s face? I’m surprised he didn’t melt.

Tristan: I’m sure he had it coming.

Bralen (pulling him in for a kiss): Speaking of coming, we haven’t done that in a while.

Tristan: By “a while,” you mean like in the last four hours since we were away at the dinner? You ready to go at it again? Damn, dude, you should save some of that energy for Olympic training.

Bralen (unzipping Tristan’s trousers and letting them fall to the floor): I thought we’d have one more night of wild sexual abandon before cooling things down considerably so I can bring home the gold.

Tristan (stepping out of trousers): So how do you wish to mark this occasion?

Bralen: Well, I thought we would add a little spice this time around.

Tristan (kissing him): Oh yeah, what did you have in mind?

Bralen: Not what but who.

Tristan: Huh?

Bralen: Hold on a minute. (rushing to the door and disappearing down the hall)

Tristan (coming to the doorway): Babe, what the hell are you—

Bralen (rushing back up to him and placing his hands over his eyes): It’s a surprise.

Tristan: I don’t really like surprises.

Bralen: I’m sure you’ll like this one. I’m sure we’ll both like this.

Tristan: Okay, I’m tired of this. (brushing Bralen’s hands away from his eyes) Peyton? What the hell are you doing here?

Peyton: I guess I’m the surprise.

Tristan (to Bralen): What is this?

Bralen: Well, you know how I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself. So I thought about having some Olympic sex.

Peyton (sensing uneasiness): You know, I think I’m going to bow out. I was under the impression that Tristan was okay with it.

Tristan: I guess I’m okay with it if Bralen’s sure he’s up for the challenge. I’ve seen what Peyton’s packing.

Peyton: You have?

Tristan: Yeah, that one time we showered at the gym together. I couldn’t resist taking a peek.

Peyton: Well, you shouldn’t worry about Bralen. He’s tackled it once.

Tristan: What are you talking about? (brief pause) OHHH!

Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD9Q8koJKZA) begins playing over the remainder of the scene. Tristan’s sudden exclamation coincided with Bralen’s expert mouth coming into contact with his cock, his throat seeming to miraculously expand to take in Tristan’s exceptional girth. It was amazing how quickly Bralen could drop to his knees and get the festivity started. Tristan could feel Bralen’s soft, wet pallet massage his hardness as Bralen’s hands reached forth to Peyton’s slacks, nearly ripping the zipper off them to unleash his similarly well-endowed treasure.

Pulling his mouth off Tristan, he positioned it on Peyton, his oral cavity once more having to restructure itself to accommodate something well above average. Just when one would get so comfortable with the blowjob, the other would pull Bralen’s attention away. This is so amazing, Bralen thought. What a way to kick off Pride Weekend! It wasn’t long before Peyton’s more dominant edge kicked into gear, and it seemed he wanted to monopolize Bralen, having grasped the back of his head to prevent him wandering back to Tristan. He had begun his hip action, slowly thrusting it into Bralen’s capable mouth.

Tristan then grabbed Bralen’s hand, putting upon his already saliva-coated cock, nonverbally communicating to him that he should at least stroke it when not sucking it. After a few moments, Bralen took a few seconds to breathe—something he hadn’t really done with his present oral task—and he looked at both dicks, wishing he truly had an expandable mouth to take them in simultaneously. Already knowing Tristan’s pleasure spots, his agile tongue sought them out, and wails of pleasure escaped Tristan’s lips, but once more Peyton’s hand grasped into Bralen’s hair and yanked his head back over into his direction.

This competitive manner continued for several minutes, and Bralen soon feared for the wellbeing of his tonsils as both men were becoming more aggressive. Too much testosterone! Damn, if they’re like this now, it’s going to be a full-out war for my ass! Dirty talk spewed from Peyton, who called him everything from whore to cocksucker, which only excited Bralen more as his lone hand—the other being occupied jerking Tristan—brushed up the incline of Peyton’s buttocks. His fingers began a journey of their own. What Bralen hadn’t expected was the sharp crack of Peyton’s hand as it slapped his face.

Peyton: What the fuck are you doing? Your fingers don’t go there, Boy! You need to be punished.

The sting still flaming in his cheeks, Bralen now directed his full attention back to Tristan as Peyton freed his ankles from the slacks surrounding them. I should have known he was a total top, not even wanting his ass played with. Suddenly, Bralen felt Peyton yank both his hands behind his back.

Bralen (yelping in sudden pain): What the fuck are you doing?

Peyton (snapping handcuffs onto them): Teaching you a lesson. Now get back to work!

His hands now manacled, this new arrangement definitely presented greater challenges for Bralen since his mouth was now the only outlet of pleasure for them. This increased the competitive nature between them, and his head became the proverbial sports ball that each team sought to have in its possession. Soon his warm spittle was all over the place—over both cocks, speckled across the floor, and running down his chin and onto his muscled chest—as he had no control over cleaning it without the facility of his hands. Despite their aggressive nature, Bralen remained considerate, trying as hard he could not to unintentionally graze either cock with his teeth.

This fashion continued for several more minutes before Tristan pulled Bralen up onto his legs. Thank goodness! I love giving head but that was spiraling into abusive territory. He then felt Peyton’s hand cup his firm buttocks and then felt his fingers trying to pry into him.

Peyton: Giving you some of what you tried on me!

Bralen: Unlike you, I don’t mind at all!

It was then that all three assembled themselves into a circled pattern on the floor where each got orally pleasured, Bralen at last being reciprocated for his prior tasks with Peyton’s mouth running up and down the length of his cock. Peyton felt thrilled that Tristan’s mouth was experiencing some difficulty taking him. You’re not the only “big guy” here, he thought. Of course, the major burden of pleasuring the two alpha males fell back onto Bralen when both got that gleam in their eyes that they were now ready to penetrate him. Bralen knew that both were 100% total tops so it was destined that he would be a well-spent bottom by night’s end. I just hope they’re not as competitive penetration-wise as they were when I blew them. I’m not sure my ass can take that type of treatment.

His prophecy definitely came true, for within the next hour he had been banged six ways to Sunday, and neither showed any signs of letting up. This permitted Bralen the time to compare their styles, his preferences ultimately leaning toward Tristan, whose cock’s girth and length minimally exceeded that of Peyton’s yet it was Tristan’s fiery and impassioned drive that ultimately won him the gold medal since the Italian stud loved kissing so much. Sure, he gets aggressive sometimes pounding at me, but his lips are never far away from either my mouth or the back of my neck—depending on the sexual position—and sometimes he whispers words into my ear in that native language of his. I may not know what he’s saying but sure sounds hot. Peyton’s style, on the other hand, was more straightforward as his main objective remained his overall pleasure, the true trademark of a dominant top. His thrusts were harsher and lacked the accompanying warmth of Tristan’s kisses, although there were moments when Tristan’s mouth would come into contact with Bralen’s lips whenever he whimpered because Peyton ventured too far into rough territory.

There was, however, one moment when Bralen felt he would be torn in half between the two sexually dynamic giants. This occurred when he was in a doggy position with Tristan ardently nailing his ass while Peyton endowed his cock with the properties of a jackhammer pummeling full force into Bralen’s mouth. Completely overtaken at both ends, Bralen had to call upon his reserve of Olympic strength to salvage his body from assured destruction. He sucked and was fucked with wild abandon until both men showered his chest and abs with their milky, hot splashes. It was Tristan who assisted Bralen with jerking his load out before all three fell into a heap upon each other, sleep their only mission.

For Bralen, it was a threesome for the record books. I survived it! Now all I need to do is consult a dentist and a proctologist.

CALLUM’S ESTATE, SAME TIME AS BANQUET

Justin had timed everything accordingly. He had hidden all the money under the mattress. It was only 200 $100 notes so it was easy to stash it away. He had also found a pair of car keys in the safe and thought perhaps they went with one of the cars in the garage. He threw the money into his backpack. He knew that Callum would be leaving for some important engagement so he waited for him to go, and then summoned Godfrey to send him on a bogus trip.

Justin rushed downstairs and to the garage entrance. The place was pitch black, and he had to fumble on the wall for the light switch. Turning it on, the room illuminated and he saw two vintage cars: a Jaguar and an Aston Martin. His eyes greedily looked at the latter, and he couldn’t wait to take it for an escape drive. He hoped that the keys in his possession were the ones that operated the vehicle. Trying them, he miraculously found that they were indeed the right ones. Having unlocked it, he threw his backpack in the passenger seat, he got inside, and turned on the engine, which roared to life. He pressed the command button for the garage door to lift.

He drove the car out into the evening night air. Godfrey had yet to come outside. He was almost free! He maneuvered the car out the driveway and onto the main road that led out the Hollywood Hills. He made one quick turn and came to an intersection where a sports car pulled up next to him. Its driver, a handsome and youthful male, nonverbally communicated with Justin that they should indulge in a bout of street racing. Though totally game for it, Justin was a bit hesitant as he didn’t really feel comfortable in a foreign car—the steering wheel on the right side along with his frustration with the stick shift.

The light turned green. Putting his anxiety aside, Justin’s foot slammed into the accelerator just as the neighboring car revved up, and both cars sped down the stretch of road before them, but then the road became winding, and Justin foolishly hadn’t paid attention to the yellow warning signs about hidden driveways along the road. He was caught off guard when he saw the back of a car coming out its lot. He swerved to avoid contact, but he soon realized that feverishly turning the wheel at his speed was not in his best interest. Trying to avoid the car, he nearly careened into a tree, and twisted the wheel again, losing control of the car, which spun off the road, smashed into a parked vehicle before it turned over onto its top, the windshield smashing to pieces. It all happened in a flash of a second. The horn was blaring loudly, smoke escaped from the wreckage, and Justin’s body lay somewhere underneath the crushed, mangled metal.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Thursday, October 30, 2008

The Victorious and the Relentless

Episode 11: Breaking (and Faking) Amends

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Callum (having quietly dismissed Godfrey): Peyton, how long have you been there?

Peyton: I let myself in… to hell with protocol! Callum, I want that damn DVD!

Callum: You’ve got it. Remember you broke into my home and nicked it along with several thousand dollars in the safe.

Peyton: What the hell are you talking about? I didn’t take any money.

Callum: Oh no bother! It was only peanuts anyway.

Peyton: I want that damn DVD.

Callum: I told you that I don’t have it, but I know you tried to take my gun.

Peyton: And what about the fragrance? Nathan recognized it as the one his attacker had on. So now you’re responsible for all the attacks in the park.

Callum: Stop jumping to conclusions! I neither attacked Brendon and Nathan nor did I fire at Chloe and Allison.

Peyton: And you can prove that when the contents of your safe say otherwise?

Callum: Well, I could turn the gun into the police.

Peyton: That would be the honorable thing to do, Callum.

Callum: Well, there is still the tiny problem that your fingerprints are all over it.

Peyton (dawning on him): What? You’re trying to pin this on me.

Callum: Well, the horseback rider gave testimony that someone matching your description fired the gun in the park.

Peyton: Kyle would never believe I wanted to harm Allison or Chloe.

Callum: Maybe out of necessity if she were holding something over your head. To my understanding, you and Allison had a tiff in the hospital.

Peyton: How do you know about that?

Callum: I pay one of the nurses to keep me apprised of everything involving Outrunners patients in Hollywood Hospital. Apparently, Kyle interrupted Allison when she was threatening you.

Peyton: That’s hardly grounds for attempted murder, and besides the argument happened after she and Chloe were attacked.

Callum: That’s inconsequential information once Kyle learns that Allison knew about you and me and how she’s kept silent about it.

Peyton: Enough with the games! Where’s the DVD?

Callum: I told you. It’s in the possession of a troll, and my guess is she’s examining it for better sexual techniques.

Peyton: She? (suddenly dawning on him) You gave the DVD to Allison!

Callum: I had it planted in her office. She’s sitting on a goldmine.

Peyton: Why did you send it there?

Callum: Don’t you get it, Peyton? You have a motive for wanting to get rid of her, means since your prints are on the weapon, and well, you had opportunity as you were at Griffith Park when they were attacked.

Peyton: Correction! We were at Griffith Park, but neither of us had time to attack them. Oh why are you doing this? Kyle will never believe this in spite of whatever evidence you’ve crafted.

Callum: Well, I suppose it’s unfortunate for you that Kyle has been taken off the case.

Peyton: What the hell?

Callum: Detective Walgrove has been reassigned so that someone else can look at the case more objectively—and that can only spell trouble for you since I’m sure whoever takes over will be blown away by the cards stacked against you.

Peyton: I can’t believe this!

Callum: Believe it, and know I’m willing to throw you to the sharks for crossing me like this. I thought we had an agreement.

Peyton: You bastard!

Callum: Enough with the namecalling! I swear between you and Allison I must have a name as long as a member of the Royal Family.

Peyton: What is it that you want?

Callum: An apology. (pause) I need you to take care of Chloe Dalton. As her psychiatrist, I need you to keep her doped up on just the right amount of psychotropic drugs that minimally impairs her judgment.

Peyton: You’re one sick bastard, wanting to do this to an innocent woman who just lost her baby.

Callum: Don’t play that card with me. Just do as I say or the police get both the DVD and the gun. Now if you don’t mind, I think I shall go for a run in Pasadena (walking passed Peyton) I trust you can see yourself out. Help yourself to the minibar. Lord knows you’ll need a stiff drink after the conversation we just had. And for the record, the gun is not on this property so you’ll be wasting time searching for it. Ciao!

BRENDON ROBERTS’ ROOM, HOLLYWOOD HOSPITAL

Brendon: Surely you can understand my situation. I awaken to find two of the most important men in my life have gone astray.

Nathan: I haven’t gone anywhere. I’ve been by your side ever since I regained strength to sit next to your bed. Just ask any of the nurses.

Brendon: I don’t want to question your fidelity. Can’t you see that I just want you and Justin here with me?

Nathan: It’s your vision of a happy family except you’re missing out on one important point: Justin hates my guts!

Brendon: You’re overreacting Nathan!

Nathan: Am I? You never saw how he treated me, and while you were in the coma, he berated me and undermined my authority. He skips classes, does drugs, and well, he completely terrorized Kyle and Heath.

Brendon: According to whom? Heath, that drama queen?

Nathan: I can see where Justin gets his acidic tongue.

Brendon: And as for you, Nate, you never warmed up to the idea of his coming to live with us. He probably picked up on that vibe.

Nathan: Pardon me for not having fully reconciled with the fact that my partner of twelve years never told me he had a lovechild until three months ago. Have you any idea how much of a blow that was to me?

Brendon: Which is why at the time I went along with your decision to father a child for Chloe and Allison.

Nathan: And I’m sure Allison told you how that turned out. I lost my child.

Brendon: Which is why you shouldn’t begrudge me for needing to find mine!

Nathan: I-I just—

Brendon: After Eileen was diagnosed with advanced terminal cancer, we knew arrangements would have to be made for Justin to eventually stay with me. There was no other family to take care of him, and I was not about to let him go into the foster system.

Nathan had heard this same story three months ago. Or had Brendon forgotten? Was this memory loss due to his head trauma? Yes, Nathan continued to nod his head to humor Brendon, I know that your barren sister took in your illegitimate son over sixteen years ago after you had an alcohol-induced one night stand with some drugged-out chick at a bar in St. Paul, Minnesota. His sister Eileen had offered to take Justin off Brendon’s shoulders and raise him as her son so that Brendon could relocate to southern California to take a high-paying job in the entertainment industry.

Brendon: But then the car accident (pausing as tears flow from his eyes) took her before the cancer had its final say. Maybe it was better as she didn’t want Justin to watch her quickly whittle away. I miss my sister.

Nathan walked over to him, bent down, and gave him a hug. He sat back in the chair and took Brendon’s hand in his, squeezing it tightly.

Nathan: Don’t worry, Bren. I’ll bring him home to you someway, somehow.

Brendon: You promise?

Nathan: I’m putting my differences aside. I love you so much, and as he means so much to you, then he means as much to me.

Brendon: You do know he’s not going to change the way I feel about you. There’s no need to ever feel competitive for my affection. (reaching his upper body to kiss Nathan) See!

Nathan (smiling): I’ve missed that.

Brendon: And there’s a lot more from where that came… (pause) I know we’ll be a happy family together.

Nathan thought that the head trauma definitely had taken its toll upon Brendon’s reason if he thought for one second that Justin would react amicably to the fact that he had been lied to his entire life.

HEALTH ALCOTT AND KYLE WALGROVE’S HOME, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Damien Rice’s “Cannonball” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsVIVqmTjYw) begins playing calmly over the following scene:

Callum having left only five minutes earlier, Heath sat despondently on the loveseat, looking at the mess he had made of the living room. Under ordinary circumstances, he would have been embarrassed for Callum to see the mess, but Callum hadn’t seemed to mind and besides he seemed rather genuine with his solicitation to help him. Mom always said that God helps those who help themselves. Guess I had better pick up this mess. He began picking up the broken articles, coming across shards of the broken camera and thinking instantly of the images that had been on that camera, his mind casting back to Tristan. Heath’s body instantly yearned for the warmth of Tristan’s arms and the taste of his lips. Was it all just a ploy? Was I being played? Surely, he felt the same way I did… and still do. He must love me after all the special times we had together.

He stood, crossed the room, and looked at himself in the full-length mirror in the hallway. Suddenly, he felt weighted down with the knowledge that Tristan and Bralen made a more physically appealing couple. They both exercised daily, their bodies absolute temples of worship and adoration for anyone lucky enough to glance at them. I should work more on my shoulders and biceps. Tristan would appreciate that. Heath thought of the strength in Tristan’s muscles… the same strength that had given him countless hours of pleasure… pleasure that Bralen was now receiving. Damn you, Bralen! Maybe I’m not good enough.

Heath (to himself): Get a grip!

He went back to cleaning the mess, starting to sweep the broken glass when the front door opened, and Kyle came into the room.

Kyle: Hey, Babe, just dropped by for lunch on my way to the hospital.

Heath: I made you some Greek salad with chicken breast. I know how much you love feta cheese.

Kyle (rummaging in the fridge): Where? I don’t see it.

Heath (rushing over): Hold on, I’ll get it for you. It’s behind the---Shit!

Kyle (turning around in time with Heath’s loud interjection): What’s wrong?

Heath: I stepped on some broken glass. It’s nothing. Don’t worry.

Kyle (coming over): The hell I will. (pause) You’re bleeding. Why are you cleaning up broken glass in flip-flops?

Heath looked down and saw a stream of blood just as Kyle had taken him into his grasp, lifting him off the ground and carrying him to the bathroom in his strong arms.

Kyle: You shouldn’t put any pressure on it.

Heath: This is by far the gayest thing you’ve ever done!

Kyle (entering the bathroom): Well, don’t tell anyone. Besides, maybe it’s practice for the big night.

Heath: What are you talking about?

Kyle (putting him down on the side of the tub): Well, we can get married, you know… and being traditional, I might want to carry you over the threshold just like I did just now.

Heath: Do the guys on the police force know you talk this way?

Kyle (turning on the running cold water): Here, put your foot under the water.

Heath: It’s really nothing. I was wearing my flip-flops. It barely went into my foot.

Kyle (taking Heath’s foot and placing it into the flowing water): Why is there broken glass? Did you have an accident?

Heath: I was—uh—(pause) yeah.

Kyle: You know I don’t approve of glass dildos.

They both laugh before Kyle bends over to kiss Heath. As he pulls away, their eyes lock magically.

Heath: You really are a wonderful man, Kyle.

Kyle: I’m really sorry for never being around much, but that’ll change soon, I promise. You have no reason ever to doubt my feelings for you, especially with the hint I implied not long ago.

Heath turns off the water, wipes his foot with a towel, and shows his foot to Kyle.

Heath: See, it was just a minor cut. And look I can even walk on it without pain.

Kyle (coming over to him): Well, right now, I don’t you on your feet. (pause) I want you on your back! (kissing him and leading him to the bedroom)

HOLLYWOOD HOSPITAL

Dr. Allison Trudeau walked down the hall to the pediatrics ward. She had been meaning to speak with Dr. Edgar Williams about his discussion with Callum and Nathan when she had seen them together. She had told Brendon practically everything she knew about Callum—all the while praying it wouldn’t elevate Brendon’s blood pressure or send him into a relapse. But he needed to know who he’s dealing with and that Nathan was still quite vulnerable to Callum’s machinations. She presently met Dr. Williams coming out his office.

Allison: Edgar, I needed to ask you a question.

Edgar: Sure, Allison, what is it?

Allison: Well, it’s about one of your patients last night… a Mr. Callum Sutcliffe.

Edgar (laughing): Allison, Mr. Sutcliffe is a little too old to be one of my patients. We treated his adorable son, Edward. Poor thing barely made it out the woods.

Allison (incredulously): His son? I didn’t know he had any children. (pause) And he has a son?

Edgar: Yeah, with one of those characteristically long English names… Edward something something something Armitage. You’d think that one middle name would suffice.

Allison: Don’t you mean Sutcliffe? That is the baby’s last name?

Edgar: No, it’s definitely Armitage. I looked at that baby’s chart too many times already. Anyway, Allison, I have to get to a meeting. I’ll talk with you later.

Allison: Thanks, Edgar. See you later.

Armitage? Was that Callum’s real last name? Or was… it? It suddenly dawned on her that maybe it was Callum’s partner’s last name, that of the noble family back in England that had it in for him. And what had Peyton said. That it sounded posh and had reminded him of a Hermes scarf. Leave it to Peyton to link Hermes with Armitage. He most likely was on a drunken binge when he confused the names. She was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice Nurse Jackson had approached her to tell her that Chloe was once more refusing to eat. She hadn’t eaten a thing for the past few days.

Allison: Isn’t she supposed to be discharged tomorrow?

Nurse Jackson: Not if she doesn’t regain her strength. It’s like she wants to stay here indefinitely.

Allison: I’ll talk with her. Thanks, Cheryl.

Allison went to the elevator and went back to the floor of Chloe’s room. She was in bed, lying morbidly on her side in the fetal position. As she enters the room, Dido’s “See the Sun” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT0MnvgatrA) begins playing softly in the background. Chloe doesn’t move even as Allison took a seat next to the bed.

Allison (lovingly brushing back the hair from Chloe’s forehead): Chloe, honey? (pause) The nurses tell me you’re not eating. You need your strength. We’re going home tomorrow.

Chloe (turning away from Allison): You’re going home. I’m staying here.

Allison: Honey, there’s no reason for that. I’ll look after you. You won’t have to move one finger. We’ll have a quiet weekend together.

Chloe: Aren’t you forgetting Pride Weekend?

Allison: So that’s what this is about? You don’t want to be seen by the group.

Chloe (turning back to face Allison, tears streaming down her face): Can you blame me? I’m the one carrying the burden of humiliation.

Allison: What are you talking about?

Chloe: Not even a week has passed since you made that grand announcement that we were expecting our child. I’m sure Henrietta sent out an email blast to the entire club, and I couldn’t handle all those faces of pity looking at me during Pride Weekend.

Allison: Oh, honey—

Chloe: Send an email telling everyone to take back any gifts they may have prematurely bought. I’m not going home, and I don’t want any visitors. (pause) You can go now, Allison.

Allison: You listen here, Chloe Dalton. I fell in love with a confident, strong-willed, and perseverant woman, and I know she’s still here. I’ll be damned if I lose her to some misplaced fear of being pitied. Do I make myself clear? (pause) Don’t make me repeat myself.

Chloe: You may have my best interest at heart, Allison, and I truly love you for that, but you have no idea where I’m coming from. I’ve lost my baby. I’ve lost any chance of ever having one again. I feel worthless as a woman.

Allison: I’d slap you if you weren’t so weak. Don’t you ever say that again! You are not worthless. You mean everything to me. When they were loading you into the ambulance, I was telling the paramedics not to worry about me. I only wanted you safe. Don’t you get it? I can’t live without you, and seeing you like this is just killing me. (taking Chloe’s hands into hers) We’re in this together, and we’ll get through this together.

Chloe: (softly): I love you. (they kiss)

Allison (rising): Now let’s get you something to eat. What you feel like?

Chloe: Anything but what they serve here!

Allison (laughing): I’ll see if can get Nathan to drive somewhere and get takeout.

Chloe: Are you two back on speaking terms?

Allison: Not exactly, but I know he adores you and will do anything for you. I’ll be right back. (leaving the room and bumping into Detective Kyle Walgrove) What brings you here, Kyle? Coming to visit Chloe? I wish you would just stop with all this interrogation crap and just arrest Callum. He’s responsible for this!

Kyle: Actually, new evidence has come to light saying otherwise. The horseback rider came to the station this morning and gave his statement, and while he did say it was a man who fired the gun, the description he gave doesn’t match Callum’s.

Allison: Can’t you pay Callum another visit and scout out his place for any evidence?

Kyle: Allison, you know I can’t do that, and as it stands, I’m skating on thin ice. I think I’m going to be reassigned to another case.

Allison: Why? What happened?

Kyle: I don’t want to talk about it now. I just needed to see Chloe and see if she can positively identify this woman (pulling out a wallet-sized mug shot of Vittoria) as Justin’s dealer.

Allison: Could you do it another time, Kyle? I only ask because she’s in a fragile state of mind right now, and I don’t want her to get agitated. Besides, Brendon knows about Justin’s disappearance and told me he hired a team of investigators to track him down. He promised me in true Brendon Roberts-style that Justin would be back home safe and sound in a few days. So we’ll get Justin back with or without this woman’s cooperation.

Kyle knew that even if Brendon didn’t want to pursue Vittoria, she was holding back something of great magnitude, and he was determined to find out what it was.

ROSE BOWL, THURSDAY NIGHT OUTRUNNERS TRAINING MEET IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA

Callum arrives at the Rose Bowl and sees Tristan with Bralen Jones, approaching them.

Tristan: Callum, what are you doing here?

Callum: I came to run (turning to Bralen) and I might ask the same question of him. What are you doing on this side of town?

Bralen: I also came to run.

Callum: With Tristano, it appears. My my, you two have become joined at the hip, mouth, ass, and Lord knows where else.

Bralen: Look, Callum, I apologize for yesterday. It must have really looked—

Callum: Skanky?

Bralen: I wouldn’t go that far.

Callum: Yet I’m sure Tristano did go that far (winking) inside you. Speaking of which, I need to talk with Tristano about business. (pause) That’s your cue to sod off, Bralen.

Bralen (rolling his eyes): I can see why Drake hates him.

Tristan (after Bralen has left): I don’t appreciate you insulting my friends.

Bralen: So he’s a friend now and not some whore you’re banging?

Tristan: What’s it any of your business?

Callum: I was under the impression that you were exclusively fucking Heath Alcott.

Tristan: You know about that?

Callum: I know about everything, Tristano.

Tristan: You’re back on that train again. You may think you know everything (grabbing Callum by the shoulders and pulling him further away) but you don’t know shit!

Callum: I see you haven’t been in touch with Vittoria.

Tristan: No, I haven’t spoken with her in a while. I needed a break from all her whining. That’s why I’ve been staying over at Bralen’s.

Callum: You do know she’s moved back to the apartment in West Hollywood. I now own the building so she gets to stay there rent-free.

Tristan (laughing): In exchange for keeping silent about what she knows about you and what goes on in your house.

Callum (clearing his throat): What happens at my home is no one else’s business. Besides, I practically now own her and you.

Tristan: Excuse me?

Callum: And as a token of my gratitude for sending those delicious photos to Brendon’s bedside, I’m allowing you to stay at the apartment free of charge as well. That was pure genius on your part, but next time I would appreciate it if you would tell me first when you’re secretly taking photos of me. I keep forgetting that you were once a paparazzo.

Tristan: I guess you’ve got to watch out for me… and one more thing, Callum, just so you know: you don’t fucking own me!

Callum: Well, technically, I own your freedom or rather the key to your imprisonment.

Tristan: What?

Callum: Too bad once you’re thrown in the slammer, you’ll need that crowbar to attempt your escape.

Tristan (his pupils dilated with fear): W-What are you talking about? (pause) Y-You have it?

Callum: Give the dog a prize!

Tristan: Give it back to me!

Callum (laughing) You honestly think I’m going to hand it over to you so easily, especially after the way you and Vittoria initially treated me. I’ve got the upper hand now, and you two are now my pawns. I know both your dirty little secrets courtesy of a few items pilfered from your apartment earlier this week. (pausing as Tristan’s face registers what he’s saying) Yes, I had your apartment robbed. I needed to get as much trash as I could find on you two, and thank goodness Vittoria is so open with everything in her diary. Now I know exactly why you two wanted so desperately to kill Brendon Roberts.

Tristan: You fucking blackmailer!

Callum: I prefer the term extortionist, but that’s beside the point.

Tristan: And that point is what?

Callum: I’m prepared to go to the police with all the information I have… my possession of the attempted murder weapon trumps anything you have against me. I’ve already promised Vittoria I would take care of her. I have yet to make the same arrangement for you.

Tristan: What’s stopping you?

Callum: Your lack of cooperation, but that will soon change all with a call to Detective Walgrove, who’ll have your neck not only for attempted murder but also for fucking his partner. Oh what a tangled web you’ve woven for yourself, Tristano!

Tristan: Look, Callum, let’s just—

Callum: Just what? You think I don’t intend to milk this for what it’s worth. I have you by the balls, so when I say jump, you’ll ask—

Tristan (interrupting him): How high!

Callum: Don’t interrupt me! When I say jump, the correct response from you is: “Into whose bed?”

Tristan: What?

Callum: Oh yes, Tristano, you’re going back to your first profession… only this time it’s under my direction.

Tristan: You bastard!

Callum: Well, it’s either this or the slammer. Take your pick. You can fuck and get paid for it or you could just get gang-raped in prison. Luckily for Bralen, I’ll let him have you for free.

Tristan: You won’t get away with this!

Callum: Now where have I heard that before? Oh, yes, from Dr. Peyton Ashland, another fool like you who’s failed to see that I’m not keen on double crossers.

Tristan: Look, we’ll have to talk more about this later. I’m hosting this training run.

Callum: Oh my! Look who’s approaching us. If I were you, I’d run for cover right now.

Heath Alcott rushes up to Callum and Tristan.

Heath: Hi, Callum. (pause) Um—Tristan, could we talk alone for a moment?

Tristan: I—uh—well, it’s almost time to start—

Callum: Tristano, don’t be so impolite. I’m sure it’s something important that he needs to tell you. Besides, I’ll keep the group busy until you’ve finished your chat with Heathcliff.

Tristan (lauhing): I thought I was the only one who knew your real name.

Heath (pulling Tristan aside): I’ve been calling your cell nonstop. Did you not get any of my messages?

Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv7a4mk3gjM) begins playing over the scene.

Tristan (tersely): I’ve been busy.

Heath: Yeah… fucking Bralen.

Tristan: Look… about that, I—

Heath: Tristan, I don’t understand why—

Tristan: Heath, babe, it just wasn’t working out between us.

Heath: Don’t pull that shit on me! I gave you everything, every part of me.

Tristan: You deserve so much better.

Heath: Tristan, you know how I feel about you. I love you (pause) See, there I said it.

Tristan (candidly): I don’t do love.

Heath (grabbing Tristan’s head and pulling him in for a kiss): I love—

Tristan (pushing him away): We’re in public, Heath. What if Bralen had seen us?

Heath: Bralen! That’s what this is about. He’s come into the picture, drooling all over you. What exactly has he done for you, Tristan?

Tristan: Heath, stop this.

Heath: Do he kiss you like me? (pause) Does he blow you like me? Does he scream your name like I do when you fuck him hard? Does he swallow your cum?

Tristan: Okay, Heath, that’s enough! If you really want to know, he’s not needy like you.

Heath: Needy?

Tristan: You know how you can get.

Heath: I can change. Really, I can (throwing himself onto Tristan and leading him into the nearest park bathroom).

Tristan: Heath, not now.

Heath (pulling down Tristan’s shorts) I’ll make it quick!

Tristan: I mean it (pushing him away). I can’t do this.

Suddenly, Bralen’s voice is heard before he enters the bathroom. Tristan scrambles to pull up his shorts as Heath rushes into the nearest stall.

Bralen: Tristan! (pause) Oh, there you are. Come on, everyone’s waiting for you.

Tristan: Okay, Babe.

Heath looked through the slit in the stall and saw Bralen wrap his arm around Tristan, guiding him out, and saw a brief kiss exchanged between them before they exited the facility and was out of his eyesight. In that moment, Heath decided that he didn’t want to run in Pasadena that night. His mind was once more on Tristan. He couldn’t kiss me yet he was all willing to kiss that bastard Bralen. His hand reached into this pocket and withdrew his cell phone. He dialed Callum’s number.

Callum (answering) What is it, Heath? I’ve already started running. I’m doing eight miles tonight.

Heath: Then I’ll make this quick. Do you remember that special talk we had about taking care of Bralen?

Callum: Yes, what of it?

Heath: I’ve had a change of heart. Let’s go through with it.

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Justin Roberts counted all the money on his bed, his fingers greedily flipping through all the $100 notes, the image of Benjamin Franklin constantly staring at him. It had been sheer luck for him to walk by Callum’s private sitting room, and see Peyton lying unconscious on the floor. Justin had gone into the room to see if he was dead or alive, but then his eyes saw the open safe. He had gone up to it and went through it, finding stacks of money inside along with some other valuable trinkets which he immediately pilfered.

$20,000 dollars! That is just enough for me to hightail it out here. Tomorrow, I’m ditching this place. Callum will have no control over me, and I’ll be far away from Nathan. Hell, even Uncle Brendon has been awake for some time and has yet to come looking for me. My picture’s been on the television and in the papers. Surely my own uncle must know I’m missing. I bet it’s Nathan who’s telling him not to look for me. It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m leaving them all!

DRAKE MICHENER’S HOME, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Drake was midway through proofreading his partner Austin’s report for his big presentation at work next week when Austin came into the room.

Austin: Are you almost finished with that?

Drake: Yes, I should be done within an hour. I have to tidy the living room afterwards. I invited the Outrunners over to our place for their monthly potluck. I hope you don’t mind.

Austin: Of course not. You know I’ve been giving serious thought to running for a position on the Board of Directors. I really would like to be President.

Drake: Honey, you think that’s such a good idea? You already did that back when we lived in Boston, and you know how that went.

Austin: My personal politics do not have to interfere with how I would potentially run the club. Besides, this isn’t Boston.

Drake: My point exactly! Los Angeles is more liberal, and I think it will be an uphill battle for an openly gay Republican like you to make strides here without ruffling some feathers.

Austin: Look, the First Family of this state is bipartisan. Governor Schwarzenegger is Republican, and his wife Maria is a staunch Democrat… and we’ve cohabitated very well for the past nine years together.

Drake: You know I love you no matter what your political affiliation. But why try to fix something that’s not broken? I think Nathan, Allison, and the rest of the Board are all doing a phenomenal job in light of everything that’s happened.

Austin: Ha! Keep telling yourself that, Drake! Have you taken a moment to really look at these folks? Nathan, our “acting president,” is always at the hospital with Brendon, our real president who was nearly bludgeoned and burned to death. Allison, our vice president, was recently shot at and has to help her partner through the ordeal of a miscarriage. The rest of the Board can’t seem to get their act together because they were so dependent on the Executive Board.

Drake: So you plan to come in and save the day?

Austin: Yeah, I do think my leadership is just what the Los Angeles Outrunners needs.

Drake (approaching him and kissing him): Well, you can always count on my vote. Just don’t try to make too much of a conservative platform.

Austin: I promise. Anyway, I’m going to prepare dinner. I’ll have it ready in about 45… just in time for you to finish proofing.

Drake (smiling): Remind me again. Am I getting paid for this?

Austin (kissing him): You get rewarded nightly… or have you forgotten? (leaving the room) I’ll you bring you some wine.

Drake went back to proofing and actually finished within fifteen minutes, having much time to spare so he went onto his next chore of tidying up the living room. He began rummaging through some old newspapers in on the coffee table when he came across one that showed an image of Justin Roberts. Where had he seen that face? Suddenly, it dawned on him. He had seen it over at Callum Sutcliffe’s mansion. Why would Justin be at Callum’s? Drake thought. However, he had to postpone his deductive thinking when Austin announced dinner was ready.

TRISTAN BERSANI AND VITTORIA MORELLI’S APARTMENT, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Vittoria was happy that Callum came through for her at the last minute, hiring a high-priced attorney to represent her and get Kyle off her case. There was no way they would be pinning the attacks on her. She was back home in the comfort of her old apartment, and Callum had gone to the trouble of having it renovated and buying new furniture for the place. Well, if I can’t live la dolce vita at his place, next best thing is to have it at my own place. The land line phone rang, and Vittoria rushed to it, picking up the receiver.

Vittoria: Hello.

Voice: Hello, Vittoria. What’s new, Sugar Tits?

Vittoria: Br-Brendon. I heard that you had waked up.

Brendon: And you have yet to pay me a visit… outside of the last one you paid me a few days ago when I was still asleep.

Vittoria: I-I’ve been very busy.

Brendon: Yes, you have. You’ve been a busy little bee… and a very bad girl!

She slammed the phone down and yanked the cord from the wall. In that moment, she felt as if someone had walked over her grave. One thing was definitely certain from Brendon’s tone: he knew she had tried to put him into his grave!

TO BE CONTINUED…