Building Things

Building Things Chapter 28

Derrick looked over at Ty, smiling. "Well, maybe to you, this was a bad idea, but I feel better now."

"Really?"

"Sure." Derrick shrugged, "A change of scenery, got my mind off everything that's been happening." Derrick winked. "Thanks."

"Whatever I can do." Ty wiggled his eyebrows. "Why don't we get out of here."

"Sure." Derrick said, softly. He followed Ty toward the front doors of the gym, giving glances to all of the muscle guys that were watching them walk by. They seemed to be huddled near each other. Derrick just smiled at them as they walked by.

Once in the truck, Ty backed out and was out onto the road in a minute. Derrick leaned over in the seat, running his hand up Ty's bare thigh. Ty looked down for a moment and then back up to the road, then back down as Derrick snuck a finger in under Ty's shorts, touching Ty's bulging balls. Ty hissed softly through his teeth, then looked over at Derrick.

"Someone is worked up." Ty smiled.

Derrick leaned over further coming next to Ty's ear. "I want you so bad." Derrick whispered. "You are so fucking sexy."

Ty turned and kissed Derrick quickly. "You are too. And in those tight shorts, oohhh man."

"Can't wait to get you home." Derrick said as he tongued Ty's ear. His hand was kneading over Ty's firming crotch.

"You're gonna make wreck the truck." Ty said, leaning his head to the right, giving Derrick more of his ear. He spread his legs a little wider for Derrick. Derrick was fingering Ty's shorts, working his length out from trapped in the fabric. Ty moaned softly. He sped up a little. "It wouldn't be all those hot hard bodies that got you worked up, would it?"

"No," Derrick whispered in Ty's ear, "I'm only interested in one...hard...hot...body." Derrick was tracing his fingers up and down Ty's freed hard length as he said it.

"Oh, fuck." Ty moaned softly as Derrick was softly tickling him. "I'm so glad."

"Although," Derrick whispered in Ty's ear, tonguing him again, "there were a couple of them that were kinda hot." Derrick chuckled softly as Ty pulled into the driveway. He stopped the truck, as he looked straight ahead. Derrick pulled away from him and looked in the direction Ty was. In the driveway was a black sedan, parked behind Derrick's Audi. Derrick sat over in the passenger seat, and then looked at Ty.

"Who the hell would that be?"

"Well, I have a bad feeling I know who it is." Derrick said with almost a growl in his voice. He opened the passenger door to get out, undoing his seatbelt. "Park the truck, while I take care of this." He climbed out and closed the door. Ty drove up the rest of the driveway as Derrick walked toward the car. He watched as the door opened and a tall man in a dark suit got out, and then closed the door behind him. Even in the dark, Derrick knew exactly who it was.

"Mr. Jacobson." The deep voice said.

"Detective Lance. Keeping late hours?"

"It comes with the job."

"What can I do for you?" Derrick asked as he came up near the car.

"I'd like to ask you a few more questions."

"I didn't think it was a social call." Derrick said, in a snide tone. "Won't you come in?" Derrick asked as he walked toward the front steps. Lance started to follow him from a discreet distance. Derrick went up the steps to the porch and then pulled out a house key from his inside pocket of his shorts. He could feel Lance's eyes were on him, but didn't look back. Lance stayed down off the steps, waiting for Derrick to open the door. Ty came round the corner of the house, walking toward the steps.

"Mr. Caldwell." Lance said, watching as Ty walked toward him. Suddenly there was light as Derrick had opened the door and turned on the porch light. As Ty walked up, looking at Lance, Lance's eyes were looking Ty up and down.

"Detective." Ty said, as he reached the steps.

"Detective Lance, won't you come in?" Derrick asked from the open doorway. Lance waited for Ty to walk up the steps and then followed him. Derrick and Ty were standing in the living room when Lance walked in, closing the door behind him. Derrick stood in the middle of the room, Ty was walking toward the dining room toward the kitchen. "You had some questions?" Derrick said, folding his arms over his chest.

"Where have you two been?"

"Is that part of the investigation?" Derrick asked, cocking his head slightly. "You need to know all of my movements?"

"Mr. Jacobson, may I remind you that a man has been murdered, a man that you worked with? I would say, yes, until we find out who killed him, until we have the murderer in custody, yes, I need to know where you've been."

"We have been at the gym." Derrick sighed heavily. "A little bit of a workout."

"Really." Lance said flatly. He reached into his breast pocket and produced a notebook and a pen. "I take it there were others there?"

"Yes." Derrick said. "Is someone else dead, Detective?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, do you need names of those in the gym?"

"You seem a little hostile, Mr. Jacobson."

"Hostile? Hostile." Derrick said, trying to smooth out. He heard Ty come up behind him. "Put yourself in my place, Detective. Wouldn't you consider it an invasion of privacy to have the police in your home, asking questions, make accusations or insinuations, tracking your whereabouts?" Derrick was getting madder by the moment, as he watched Lance just stand there with his blank expression. "Now, ask your questions."

"You gave me a timeline about when you left your office."

"Yes." Derrick said flatly.

"I checked out what you said, and your timeline for driving to and from the murder scene."

"And?"

"And, I found that it is entirely possible for you to make that trip and back here, before Mrs. Sinclair made the actual call."

"That's ridiculous." Derrick said.

"Is it?" Lance asked. "We found the weapon used to murder Mr. Sinclair with."

"Was it one of his, like I said?"

"It is. It was registered to him."

"I feel another but coming." Ty said over Derrick's shoulder.

"The case that it came from, the lock was broken. Someone had pried the door open. We also found prints on it."

"Well, there you go." Derrick said. "They had to be Calvin's."

"They are, but there is another set that we can't identify." Lance said, as if waiting to see Derrick's reaction. Derrick smirked. "I need you to come downtown with me."

Derrick's eyes went wide. "For what?"

"I need to have you fingerprinted."

"You're joking." Derrick huffed. Lance just stood there. "You're not joking." Derrick's eyes went wide.

"We can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way." Lance said, putting his notebook back into his jacket pocket. Derrick narrowed his eyes, he was getting madder by the moment. He felt Ty's hand on his shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze.

"Alright. Would you mind if I change first? I'm not going downtown looking like this."

"I'm afraid I can't let you out of my sight. What you're wearing will have to do."

"Detective, I'll cooperate, but I'm going to change first. You can come with me, if you like." Derrick said, turning to walk toward the bedroom door. Lance looked at him, then Ty, then back at Derrick as he walked away. Lance started to walk behind Derrick. Ty turned to follow, but Lance held up a hand stopping him.

"You wait here." Lance said in a low voice. Ty stopped still.

Derrick turned on the lights in the bedroom. He peeled off his shirt tossing it to the hamper, as Lance walked into the room, looking around. Derrick opened the closet door, pulling a shirt off a hanger, slipping it on. He turned seeing Lance there in the doorway. Derrick smirked. He slipped off his shorts, dropping them to the floor. Lance's eyes widened a bit. Derrick grabbed a pair of slacks and walked over to the dresser, opening a drawer with one hand, pulling out a pair of underwear. He half turned and lay the slacks on the bed, and then slipped into the underwear, pulling them up. Derrick picked the slacks and stepped into them. He turned back to the dresser and opened another drawer and pulling out a pair of socks. He closed the drawer and then sat on the bed, pulling the socks onto his feet and then stood, he stepped close to the dresser and slipped his feet into a pair of black loafers and then began to button his shirt, tucking it into his slacks. He grabbed his wallet and slipped it into his back pocket. He looked back at Lance and half smiled. He walked toward Lance and then out of the room, Lance turning to follow him. Ty stood next to the arm of the couch near the front door, as they came into the living room. Ty smiled briefly seeing Derrick and then Lance.

"Did you give him a show?" Ty asked.

"Kind of." Derrick winked. He turned and looked back at Lance. "Shall we go?"

"Yes." Lance said, stepping up behind Derrick. "Sorry to have to do this." Lance said, and Derrick heard the clanking of metal and then felt something on his wrist, as Lance grabbed his arm. Derrick looked down, seeing the handcuff on him. "Derrick Jacobson, you are under arrest under suspicion of murder."

"What?" Derrick asked, his eyes wide, as Lance grabbed his other arm, bringing it back behind, the other handcuff snapping his other wrist.

"You have to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you can't afford one, an attorney will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights?"

"Yes, but..."

"I would advise you not to say anything." Lance said behind his ear. Ty was on his feet. Lance could see his fists were balled up. "Mr. Caldwell, I would suggest that you step away." Lance said in a deep voice. "Now!" Lance said loudly. Ty slowly moved out of the way.

"Get my phone." Derrick said to Ty. "Call Sid for me. Tell him what's going on."

"Come on, Mr. Jacobson." Lance said, guiding Derrick to the front door. He opened it wide, guiding Derrick through it, across the porch, and down the steps. Ty standing in the doorway, watching as they went toward Lance's car. He opened the back door, and eased Derrick into the back seat. Lance turned and looked back up toward the house, seeing where Ty actually was, and walked around the car getting in behind the wheel.

Ty watched as the car started and back out of the driveway out on the road. He slowly closed the door, and went to Derrick's phone. He opened the screen and started going through contacts, until he came to Sid's number. He pushed the call button and held it to his ear. It rand a few times and then he heard a voice.

"What's up, Derrick?"

"I'm sorry, it's not Derrick. My name is Ty Caldwell. Derrick asked me to call you. The police just arrested Derrick..."

    ********************************************************

Alec was moving a cart, pushing it down an aisle, loaded with boxes of supplies, various canned goods and packaged items. He felt his phone vibrating in his back pocket. He smiled wide at the feeling of it vibrating his butt. He looked over the cart, seeing that he was about half way down the aisle. He stopped. There was a girl coming toward him, she was wearing an apron.

"How many more, Alec?" She asked.

"Carts? A bunch." He rolled his eyes, making her smile. She walked up to him. His butt vibrated again, making him smile.

"What's so funny?"

"My phone is vibrating."

"Ohhh, is that your hot boyfriend?" She asked, giving him that doe eyed look.

"Maybe? Maybe it's your boyfriend finally asking me to do him." Alec fluttered his eyes at her. Angie just scowled at him, and then slapped his shoulder. She and Alec had known each other since they were very young. "Owww." Alec said.

"Keep your lusting eyes off my boyfriend." She said, as she produced a box knife and cut open a box.

"He thinks I'm hot." Alec teased.

"Not as hot as I am." She said, giving him an evil look. "Now, go get another cart. It's bad enough we have to work all night, and I'm not at home in bed with him."

"Is he good?" Alec leaned close to her, teasing her.

She pushed Alec back with her shoulder. "Will you stop?"

"Ang, hey, you know I gave my notice today."

She turned and looked up at him with wide eyes. "What?"

"Yeah. I was going to tell you earlier, but..."

"Why? Alec, you can't leave. You've been here so long." She said looking very sad now.

"I got another job." Alec said.

"Where?"

"Cooking in a restaurant." Alec brightened, giving her a wide smile.

"Alec, I think that's so great." She smiled, but then looked sad again. "What am I going to do now? You are the only bright spot about coming to work."

"Well, there's always that new kid, Todd. You know, he's lusting after you." Alec said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Eeewwww!" She squealed. "He's all broken out. He's creepy." Alec laughed at her. His butt vibrated again. She looked down hearing it, and then up into his eyes. "Besides, everyone here thinks you're the sexy one. All the little old ladies are going to quit shopping here now with you gone."

Alec laughed again. "I doubt that."

"It's true." Angie said as she unpacked the box and began to put the items on the shelf.

"I'll go get another cart." Alec said, turning and walking away. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, opening it up, seeing all the texts from Conner. Alec smiled.

Missing you.

Cant wait.

Getting hard.

Whacha doin?

Whacha wearing?

RUhard2?

Alec texted him back, as he walked back through the double doors toward another cart. He looked up from his phone and saw several pallets that still needed to be broken down. He closed his phone and grabbed the cart, pulling on it to get it moving. He liked doing this, being physical like this, he thought, it kept him in shape. He was going to miss this, but he knew what he really wanted to do, and was excited to be finally cooking, cooking for Emilio. He smiled as his butt vibrated again.

    *******************************************************

The sedan stopped at a stop light. Derrick was uncomfortable with his hands behind his back in cuffs. He leaned forward a little, watching Lance. The light changed to green and Lance stepped on it a little, making Derrick shift in the seat. Lance certainly was a brilliant conversationalist, Derrick thought to himself. How could he have been so stupid not to see this coming. Derrick was getting mad again about everything. Wait till Sid gets there at the police station, Derrick thought. He would have Sid sue the pants off the city.

The car pulled into a parking lot, behind a larger building that Derrick knew very well. Derrick knew it well, because he and his firm had drawn the blueprints for the police station renovation some years back. Derrick smiled to himself, how ironic that he be here now, this way. Lance parked the car, and got out. He walked around to the other side and opened Derrick's door. Derrick slid across the seat, swinging his legs out, as Lance grabbed his arm and guided him out.

"This way." Lance said, taking Derrick by the arm, guiding him to the rear entrance. They walked up the ramp and the door opened as an officer was walking out. He held the door, until Lance grabbed it with his free hand. Derrick walked through and Lance led him over to a small metal counter with a reinforced meshed window with a round metal grating in the glass. An officer on the other side looked up from his paperwork with his eyes only, and then looked back down. He finished writing and then slid the papers aside.

"Name?"

"Derrick Jacobson." Derrick said in a monotone voice. The office looked up at Lance.

"Printing and booking." Lance said. Derrick turned his head and looked at Lance.

"I thought you said you just wanted my prints?"

"Yes."

"Booking?" Derrick asked.

"It's part of the process." Lance said. Derrick looked back at the other officer, who gave him a blank stare. "Buzz us in." Lance pulled Derrick to another door, and the buzzer sounded. Lance pushed on the door, opening it, leading Derrick through it. They stopped at a long counter, with another officer standing there on the other side.

"Name?"

"Derrick Jacobson." Derrick said, monotone. Lance moved behind Derrick, pulling out his keys and unlocked the handcuffs. Derrick lifted his arms a little and massaged his wrists one after the other. The other officer pulled out some papers and a large pad, that looked like it was inked. Derrick frowned. The officer wrote something on a sheet and then looked at Derrick.

"Left hand first." The officer said. Derrick lifted his left hand and stuck it toward the officer. He took it, spreading Derrick's fingers out, taking them one at a time, he rolled them on the ink pad, then moved him to the paper, making Derrick's ringer roll, each finger one at a time, in the various boxes. "Right hand." The officer repeated the steps again. Once done, the officer handed Derrick a brown folded paper towel, squirting a little liquid on it. Derrick wiped his fingertips on it, then dropped the towel in a wastebasket near his leg.

"Come with me." Lance said. They walked to another door, and a buzzer sounded. Lance pushed the door open, guiding Derrick through. There were several doors down this corridor, Derrick knowing from the blueprints he drew exactly where he was. He was getting madder by the moment. Lance walked him to the third down on the right and opened it. There was a metal table and two chairs inside the small room. "Wait in here." Lance said. "Have a seat." Derrick stepped near the table and heard the door close behind him. He was alone.

    *******************************************************

Ty waited, pacing the living room, back and forth. He didn't know what to do. Should he go down to the police station? Sid had been very clear about him waiting, that he would take care of it. Ty waited and waited, he hated waiting, hated it more than anything. Ty had made another call. He wasn't sure if it had been a good idea or not, but he did it anyway. He had used Derrick's phone, scrolling through contacts. Ty thought he heard a car. He jumped toward the front window, he was right, as he saw headlights in the driveway. He went to the front door. He opened it, stepping out on the front porch. The car shut off and then he watched as they got out and walked toward him. Ty breathed a sigh of relief to himself.

"Ty, sweetie, what the hell is going on?" Paul said as he stepped up on the front porch. Paul walked up to him, putting his arms around Ty shoulders, giving him a hug. Ty watched as Matt came up the steps.

"Thanks for coming, guys." Ty said. "I didn't know what else to do. Hello, Matt."

"Hi." Matt said, softly. Paul pulled off of Ty and Matt stepped up, giving Ty a hug as well, then pulled back.

"You look absolutely terrible." Paul said, holding onto Ty's thick bicep. "Hot, but terrible. Now, you want to tell us what's going on?"

"Come inside." Ty said, looking around as if waiting for someone else. Ty followed them into the house, and slowly shut the door.

"So, where are those hot boys at?" Paul asked looking around the house.

"Uh, Conner is in New York, and Alec is working the night shift."

"I'll bet he is." Paul said, wiggling his eyebrows. He looked over at Matt, smiling. "He is so fucking gorgeous. He could work on my shift all night long."

"Paul." Matt said, looking back at Ty. "Sit down, Ty. Now, tell us what is going on. Derrick is in jail?"

"Yes." Ty said, sitting on the couch. Matt sat next to him, Paul stood in front of them. "The police were here when we got home from the gym. They found fingerprints on the gun."

"Wait." Matt said, looking confused. "What gun?"

"The gun used to kill Derrick's partner."

"Ok. I'm totally lost. Start from the beginning." Matt said. He looked over at Paul. "Maybe you'd better make some coffee or something."

"Fuck that." Paul said. "I'll go pour some wine. Don't worry, sweetie," Paul said, looking at Ty, "We'll get this figured out. Don't start without me. Hold on." Paul turned and trotted to the kitchen. Ty put his hands together, resting his arms on his thighs. Matt put a hand on Ty's shoulder, smiling at him.

"I'm glad you called, Ty." Matt said. "I know we have never talked much, but I'm happy to think that you can call us if you need us."

"Thanks, Matt." Ty said. "I know that Paul and Derrick are old friends. I just didn't know what else to do. I thought maybe Paul would want to know."

"Know what?" Paul came back into the room, carrying glasses and a bottle of white wine. "I see that Derrick still keeps the wine that I absolutely adore."

"You've only been gone a few days, Paul." Matt said, as Paul set the glasses down on the coffee table in front of them.

"Ty, I know you don't drink, sweetie, but I think you really might need this." Paul said as he poured wine for them, and then for himself. "Now, what would I want to know?"

"That you would want to know what was going with Derrick, being old friends and all." Ty said, staring at the wine glass.

Paul laughed. "Hot stuff, the first thing you need to know is that Derrick can get himself out of anything, given time. Why, the stories I could tell you."

"Maybe later, Paul." Matt said, looking at him. He picked up his wine glass, and then looked at Ty. "Okay, now why don't you start from the beginning."

"And be sure not to leave out any sex details." Paul sipped his wine, looking at Ty, then saw the look on Matt's face. "What? They have the hottest sex." Matt just glared at him. Paul took another drink.

    *******************************************************

Derrick put his hands on the back of the closest chair to him and the door. He suspected that the room was monitored, but didn't want to look up and around. He drummed his fingers in an absent minded fashion on the back of the metal chair. He would wait. He sighed and dropped his head a little. The wait wasn't too long as the door opened behind him, Lance coming in, dropping a folder on the table toward the other side as he came round, pulling the other chair back and sat down, unbuttoning his jacket.

"Won't you sit?" Lance asked without looking at Derrick.

"I suppose." Derrick said, pulling out his chair, sitting down. He lifted his hands and folded them on the table, looking at Lance. "Any word on the prints yet?" Derrick's tone was snide.

Lance looked up at him.

"It takes time. They have to be scanned into the computer and then analyzed for comparison. It takes time, as I said."

"How much time?"

"Got a date?"

"Don't be cute with me, Detective." Derrick growled. "I told you I would cooperate, but I think you're taking this a bit far."

"Oh?" Lance said. "Let me tell you, Mr. Jacobson, I think I have my murder suspect already in custody."

"Really?" Derrick asked, sitting back in the chair.

"And who would that be?"

"You." Lance said in a flat tone. Derrick narrowed his eyes.

"I think you're mistaken, Lance. I gave you the facts and the truth." Derrick leaned forward again, trying to keep his temper in check. What he really wanted to do, he would actually go to jail for. "I told you it was impossible for me to do it. Your time line from the time you got the call, doesn't fit at all."

"And neither does yours. So why don't we try this again, shall we?"

"I've already given you my statement. I answered your questions. Now, if you can't get it right, then maybe there is another detective that can."

"I'd be happy to get another detective in here, if you want. But, you're going to have to tell him your story all over again."

"I suppose the room is monitored."

"And?" Lance eased a little.

"So, if I repeat my story it would be on tape this time. Maybe you can get right this time."

"Look, bud, you're making it more difficult on yourself."

"How?" Derrick snapped back. "You wanted my prints, I gave them to you, you wanted witnesses, I gave you that as well..."

"Your boyfriend couldn't substantiate the time, remember?"

Derrick boiled. He flattened out his hands on the table, then stood, Lance following him up with his eyes.

"Sit down!" Lance said loudly.

"I know my rights, Detective!" Derrick said loudly. "Now, you either charge me, or you will get up from that chair and open that door." Derrick said, pointing a finger back behind him. "And IF you charge me, you had better make sure, damn sure, that you're right."

"Are you threatening me?" Lance stood, leaning over the table.

"No, it's a guarantee. I'll have the mayor down your throat so fast, it'll make your head spin. Now, what will it be...Detective?" They were just glaring at each other. A knock on the door made Lance look away, toward the small window in the door. Lance saw another officer standing there. Lance walked over to the door. It opened.

"Detective Lance?" Derrick straightened as he heard a familiar voice behind him. He smiled to himself. "Are you charging my client?" Lance looked back at Derrick.

"No." Lance said with his own growl. Lance looked back at Sid. "He's free to go...for now."

"Derrick?" Sid asked from the door. Derrick turned around, keeping a placid face. He walked up to Lance.

"I certainly do hope you catch whoever is responsible for this, Detective." Derrick said, and then walked out the door. Sid was right behind him as they walked down the hall.

"I already did." Lance said to himself.

Derrick and Sid walked out the front door of the police station, side by side, after collecting Derrick's personal effects from the bailiff. Derrick was gently guided to Sid's car, while Sid fumbled with his keys. Derrick waited while Sid opened the door for him, and then walked around to the other side, getting in. Sid sat there for a minute collecting himself.

"You alright, Sid?" Derrick asked, looking over at him. Sid exhaled deeply, then looked at Derrick.

"This is not my type of law, Derrick." Sid said, he seemed a little shaken to Derrick. "Police, murder, coming down here to get you out?"

"I know, Sid, I know. I'm sorry."

"Derrick, seriously, this is a major deal, you know?"

"Don't you think I don't know that?" Derrick half turned in the seat, seeing Sid physically trembling. "You going to be okay? Want me to drive?"

"I'll be fine." Sid said in a quiet voice. "But, Derrick, as your attorney, and as your friend, I have to ask, and I have to know..."

"Did I kill him?" Derrick asked the question for Sid. "No." Derrick paused and then looked forward, "But, I know who did."

"What?" Sid asked. "Did you..."

"Tell the police? Partly. I led them in the right direction, but they don't see it. This, Detective Lance, is fixated on me having done it. He won't see anything else. No matter what the facts are."

"Then, what are you going to do?"

"First, I'm going to have you take me home. Second, I'm going to have a long shower, and have a drink. Third,...I haven't quite figured that out yet."

Sid started the car and pulled away from the curb. Derrick was looking out the window, as Sid drove through the downtown, heading towards Derrick's house. They were quiet with each other. Derrick was so lost in thought, he didn't realize even when the pulled into the driveway. Sid parked the car behind Derrick's Audi in the circular driveway. Sid reached out and touched Derrick on the shoulder as he sat there in silence. Derrick snapped out of it, and looked over at Sid.

"Home." Sid said.

"Oh." Derrick said, as he looked around. He could see lights on the porch and lights on inside. Derrick looked over at Sid, and smiled. "Won't you come in?" Derrick said, as he opened the door.

"I should probably get home."

"Don't you live alone?" Derrick asked, leaning down, looking back inside to Sid. Sid nodded. "Then come on in. I promise the house is clean." Derrick smiled, then shut the car door. Sid got out and followed Derrick up the steps. The front door flew wide open and Ty stepped out quickly, grabbing Derrick as he reached the porch, hugging him tightly, Derrick put his arms around Ty's waist. Derrick saw Paul and Matt in the doorway over Ty's thick shoulder.

"I was so scared." Ty whispered.

"I can see that." Derrick whispered in return. "It's alright now." Ty slowly let him go, seeing Sid standing on the steps. Derrick turned round and looked back at Sid.

"Sid, this is Ty. Ty this is Sid." Ty reached out his hand.

"The man on the phone." Sid smiled, taking Ty's powerful hand. "I'm glad you called me."

"Derrick's idea." Ty said in a low voice. Ty taking his hand back. Sid walked up the rest of the steps to the porch. Ty stepped out of the way.

"Paul, Matt, it's good to see you." Derrick said stepping toward the door, they took each others hands, then Paul gave Derrick a hug, still holding his wine glass.

"I knew you'd bust out there." Paul said. "I was telling Ty that there's nothing that you can't get yourself out of."

"Thanks." Derrick said, turning to look back at Sid. "Sid, these are some old friends of mine, Paul, whom I think you know already, and this is Matt." Sid reached out and took each of their hands.

"Yes, I do remember you, Paul. Weren't you and Derrick in college together?"

"Oh, Jesus, yes," Paul said, putting his hand on the small of Sid's back, guiding him in the door, "aren't that lawyer that..." Paul's voice faded away as they went into the house. Derrick was still standing in the doorway, he looked back at Ty standing on the porch.

"I'm sorry, Derrick." Ty said, tipping his head down. Derrick walked over in front of him.

"For what?"

"Calling Paul and Matt. I didn't know what else to do." Ty lifted his eyes, looking into Derrick's.

"It's alright. I don't mind." Derrick said softly. He went to lean in to kiss Ty, but he was looking across the driveway, down the road. "What is it?" Derrick asked.

"Headlights." Ty said softly. "Car stopped down the road a bit and parked. They shut off the lights." Derrick didn't turn. He had an idea of who it was. He got angry all over again. "Who do you think it is?"

"Police." Derrick said softly. "Come on, let's go inside."

    *********************************************************

Alec was moving another cart off the floor filled with broken down boxes, heading to the double doors. He came through and walked over to the cardboard bailer and filled it, emptying the cart. He pushed the compactor button and watched it start to lower its big press arm, and then wheeled the empty cart over and restacked it with full boxes, as his butt vibrated again. He shook his head as he smiled. He stopped and pulled out his phone and opened the screen, reading the text, this time there was a picture. It was a selfie of Conner standing in a mirror, butt naked with his gorgeous hardon standing up in front of him. Alec smiled and danced a little. He started to answer but felt someone was behind him. He jumped. His eyes were wide seeing Angie standing there, as she had been looking over his shoulder.

"He is so fucking hot." She purred, looking at Alec and then back at the phone. Alec tilted it up so she couldn't see. She grabbed his wrist and tilted it back down, moving beside him. "Holy shit, Alec. And where is he?"

"He's in New York." Alec said quietly.

"Holy fuck. And you let that get away?" She looked up at him and shook her head.

"He'll be here in the morning."

"What?"

"He's coming back to be with me." Alec grinned. Angie took her fingers and spread the picture out wider, focusing more on Conner's big tool. She groaned.

"That thing is huge. And I don't see any hair."

"He's totally smooth." Alec whispered with a longing. "And, yeah, it's huge alright. Ummm."

She looked back up at him, her eyes wide. "And you take all that?" Alec only nodded. "I'm impressed."

"So am I." A voice from behind them. They both jumped and looked back. Kurt, another stockboy was behind them and backed up as he had been standing behind them. Alec's eyes were wide, and Angie was blushing. "It's okay, dude." Kurt said, shrugging. "He's hot." Kurt looked back and forth at the both of them. "Is he the dude that was in here about a week ago, with those two other older dudes, you were talking to?" Alec just nodded, still wide eyed. Kurt looked back at the phone and then up at Alec. "I'd do him." Kurt smiled and walked away. Alec and Angie just watched him walk for the double doors.

"Wow." Angie said. "Who'd have thought?"

"I know he has a few girlfriends." Alec said softly.

"Maybe you should a..."

"Should what?" Alec said, closing his phone.

"I don't know...find out?"

"Kurt? Nooo."

"Why not?"

"Did you not see the picture?" Alec asked. "That is going to be crawling all over me in the morning."

"Yeah, but, maybe tonight, you could have that all over you."

"Kurt's not my type."

"He's got a dick, doesn't he?"

"Well,...yeah."

"So, I guess that makes him your type?"

"Nooo." Alec said, putting his phone in his back pocket. "Just because he's got a dick, doesn't mean he wants to use it on me. There's more to it than just that. I mean, would you let him do you?"

"Probably not." Angie said, thinking about it a moment.

"There you go." Alec said.

"But, it might be hot."

"Do you wanna watch?"

"Eewww." Angie said, then thought about it. "Well, maybe."

"Go get a gay porno and watch it. Then talk to me." Alec rolled his eyes, and went back to loading the cart.

"Maybe I will." Angie said. "I'm going to go take a break." Alec looked up, watching her walk away. He shook his head again and went to loading the cart. Alec thought to himself, this was going to be a long night.

    ********************************************************

Derrick walked into the living room with Ty behind him, closing the door. Derrick smiled at everyone as he came to the center of the room. Ty walked over to the coffee table and picked the glass of wine Paul had poured for him. He had not touched it. He handed it to Derrick. Derrick smiled at him and took the glass.

"I see that you were the perfect host." Derrick said to Ty.

"I guess I've been picking up your habits."

"Did you feed everyone?"

"Well, we didn't get that far." Ty blushed. "I'm sorry, you must be hungry?"

"It must be near what, ten?" Derrick asked.

"About that, yes."

"Well, don't you pretty boys worry about us." Paul said, sipping more wine. "We ate earlier. Before Ty called us."

"Sid? How long has it been since you've been here?" Derrick asked, as Sid was looking about the room.

"It's been, let me see now. Yes, it was when you, Tom, and Calvin started the firm. You had just bought this house as I remember. We all came here to sign the papers for the incorporation. But I don't remember it looking like this. It was a little more, rough."

Derrick smiled. "Well, there might be a little clutter around, let me show around. Then I'll make us something."

"Uh, let me go take care of the back bedroom real quick before you do." Ty whispered in Derrick's ear.

"Oh, shit." Derrick whispered back. "Good idea."

"What?" Paul asked, seeing something up.

"Nothing." Ty said, looking back at Paul. "Just gotta go take care of something really quick, that's all." Ty blushed. Paul set his wine glass down.

"Were you boys being naughty somewhere?" Paul asked, like he was ready to pounce. His eyes went wide. His jaw dropped and he drew in a deep breath. "You were, in my room?"

"Well, technically, it's, Conner's now." Ty blushed again.

"Well, I never." Paul said, walking forward, grabbing Ty by the wrist pulling him. Matt looked confused for a moment, then looked at Derrick, who shrugged, then Matt sat on the couch.

"Let's go this way, Sid." Derrick said, taking him through the bedroom door. Derrick began to talk about the renovation and its long process to restore the original woodwork of the house as it had almost been destroyed by years of neglect. Sid listened and could see that everything was loving cared for. Derrick showed him the bathroom, that had been the largest addition to the house, outside the original floor plan of the old house. Sid marveled at it. Derrick walked him into the kitchen, and Sid once again marveled, seeing the island, the counters and the large eating area to the far side.

"You guys fucked in here?" Paul asked, as he helped Ty make up the bed.

"Well..."

"It smells like Derrick." Paul said. "I'd know that smell anywhere." Paul wiggled his eyebrows. Ty blushed. "You answered my question." Ty was coming around the bed. Paul took Ty's hands in his, looking at him. "I'm glad he has you. Really."

"That's nice of you to say."

"I mean it. You really love him. I can tell that too. You're perfect together. Beauty and the Beast." Paul said, smiling. "He's the Beast by the way." Paul winked and let go of Ty. He turned and walked out, Ty following him.

"Derrick, I must say, this is absolutely incredible." Sid said, looking into the formal dining room from the kitchen. He turned back as Derrick was opening the fridge, starting to pull out some things, setting them on the counter.

"Derrick certainly knows how to design a house." Paul said, almost singing. Sid looked back at Paul and smiled briefly. "Where's Matt?"

"He's in the living room." Derrick said. Ty came around the counter to stand next to Derrick. "I think something light, and small for this time of night, now, what did I do with my wine?" Derrick asked himself.

"You probably left it in the living room. I'll go get it." Ty kissed Derrick on the cheek, and then walked away.

Sid walked to the counter on the other side. "Don't go to any trouble, Derrick. I should be going, really."

"Now, Sid, it's no trouble. It's the least I could do for you coming to get me out of the clinker. So, what would like to drink? I know you're not into wine, would you care for tea, perhaps?"

"That would be nice." Sid said, sliding onto a stool at the counter. Derrick turned toward the fridge again.

"Iced or hot?"

"Iced, if you have it."

"I do." Derrick said, reaching for a glass and then filling it with ice. He poured some Jaco from the pitcher in the fridge. "Lemon?"

"No, thank you." Derrick set it before Sid. Sid lifted it and sipped and smiled at it.

"It's sweet mint." Derrick smiled. "It's heavenly on cold winter nights, when it's served hot."

"Where do you get it?"

"A supplier from that gets it from Jamaica. He brings me in a case from time to time." Derrick caught sight of Ty, Paul, and Matt coming into the kitchen. "Anyone else hungry?" Derrick asked as he turned and started pulling plates out of the cabinet.

"Really, no. Thank you." Matt said. "Derrick, I think we're going to go home now, that you're safe here." Derrick turned. He set the plates on the counter.

"Matt," Derrick said walking up close to him, he put his arms around him, "I want to thank you for being here, for.."

"It's alright, Derrick," Matt said, hugging Derrick back, "I told Ty, that I was glad that he called us."

"It means a lot to me." Derrick said softly, then let Matt go. Derrick walked over toward Paul, holding out his arms to him. "Even you, asshole." Derrick grinned. Paul threw his arms around Derrick.

"Always here for you, sweet stuff." Paul said. "Anytime you need your ass rescued, you know I'm there."

"Yeah." Derrick said, "Like old times." Paul chuckled. Paul let him go, and turned to Ty. "And you, you perfect hottie, you can call me anytime." Paul winked, giving Ty a hug. Paul slid a hand down and tweaked Ty's butt. Ty smirked. Paul let him go, and then turned to Sid. "Good to see you again, Sid. If I ever need a lawyer..."

"Good to see you again, too." Sid got up and shook Paul's hand, and then Matt's, who nodded to Sid. They walked out the back door. Derrick went back to the plates.

He served up a small oriental salad, then added some flourish and garnish, and set it up on the counter. He opened a drawer and pulled out some flatware and grabbed some napkins. He came around the counter and sat next to Sid, as Ty took the seat on the other side of Derrick.

"This is amazing." Sid said as he started into it. "It sure beats a frozen dinner."

Derrick chuckled and looked at Sid. "Is that what I interrupted this evening?"

"It's my norm." Sid said, going for more on his plate. "The cat probably has it wiped out by now, anyway."

"Well. I'm sorry that the actual chef of the house isn't here this evening. He's working tonight."

"You have an actual chef living here?"

"Yes." Derrick said. "And he is amazing."

"You do quite well for yourself, Derrick."

"I try." Derrick looked over at Ty, then took another bite of his salad.