An Ill Wind

A serious question

The recovery of the car took a couple of hours, Brin Morris needing a bit of help from Mike and I, with his son operating the crane. I’d known the youngster for several years, and I knew he suffered a bit in the town from bullying as he was slightly effeminate and not into the rugby, cricket and hunting sports at all. He wasn’t unattractive, just not my type, and even if he had been, I would have avoided any relationship simply because of the gossip it would cause. He was also way younger than I am. Brin, a big gorilla of a man was a complete contrast to his son who was tall, well proportioned but not heavily built, and very fair where his father was dark. It occasioned a fair amount of comment round the town, the most popular rumour being that Brin was not his real father – though never in his hearing – and Brin was extremely protective of the boy.

Mike picked up on the youngster’s situation right away. “The kid obviously doesn’t enjoy this work,” he said as we watched him help his father secure the wreck on the back of the low bed. “And, unless I miss my guess, he’s Gay into the bargain.”

“He’s that, okay. I feel sorry for him. He’s got a lot of talent and it isn’t in being a mechanic – but his Dad can’t afford to send him to college so he’s stuck doing this.”

“Damn shame.” He watched the youngster swing into the low bed’s cab. “I’ll have a think – see if I can suggest a way to help him. I hate to see talent wasted. I’ve a couple of kids I support in various schemes.” He laughed. “Another little ‘expense’ my sister hated.”

“Brin’s a bit defensive and very proud of his son, you may have to take it very slowly. Keith’s a good lad, but he’s got very few friends here, and is very unhappy from what I gather. He’s had a couple of warnings from Reg, our local constable. I feel sorry for the kid, I grew up in a very similar situation.”

“Don’t worry, I will. The kid’s name is Keith?” He stopped. “Never mind, I have to sort out my business, my sister and a couple of other things.” He watched the departing low bed. “Actually, I think I know just the person to help that youngster. I’ll see what he thinks when I get back to Barr’s Harbour.” He grinned. “Damn, and I don’t want to have to leave you either …”

“I must admit you’ve been such an easy guest and great company … I wish you could stay.”

His hand found my thigh as he glanced at me. “Thanks for that, you’re the first person I’ve ever wanted to share my life with. I felt it as soon as you let me into your home. Took me a shower and some soup to figure out what it was I felt, but …” He withdrew his hand. “Come on, time I bought you a second lunch. I'm starving, it must be the cold. We can follow the truck into town.” Mike winked. “And you still owe me another session in that harness you wanted to record.”

I laughed, slipping the Discovery into gear. “You’re on.” Calling over to Brin, I said, “We’ll come to your place to sort out the insurance details, Brin. See you there.”

He waved an acknowledgement, climbed into the cab of his crane truck and drove off toward the town. In the passenger seat of the Discovery, Mike smiled. “You know, I think I must be the luckiest person around. Pete, I have a proposition for you, one I hope you’ll consider carefully – but it better wait until we’ve finished in town.” 

“Okay, if you insist.” I followed the receding crane truck. “Business first, then pleasure. We’d better sort out Brin and then we can head for the Lost Sheep – the food there is great.”

The food was good, and we were enjoying our coffee when Keith arrived. He walked straight to our table and it was evident he’d ‘scrubbed up’. His jeans were clean and tight fitting, and his shirt was a good one, with a leather jacket over it. “Sorry to butt in on you, Mr Wilson, but Dad found a problem on the car.” He paused, his expression serious. “He thinks someone tampered with the steering, Mr Parker.”

Mike and I exchanged looks. Shocked, Mike looked at me. “I thought something didn’t feel right. Bastards!” 

“Thanks for finding us, Keith. Take a seat. Would you like something to drink? We’ll have to go back to your place to see what your Dad’s found, but, as you can see, we’ve just got our coffees.”

“Thanks, Mr Wilson, a coffee please.”

While we waited, Mike sounded out the youth, and I admired the artful way he drew Keith out. Then, our coffees drunk and the meal paid for, we walked to Brin’s garage. I was pleased to note that Keith had a heavy parka coat against the cold to wear over his leather jacket.

“Keith tells me you think someone tampered with the steering on my car, Mr Morris?”

“See for yourself,” Brin led us to where the car now sat on his hoist. “See there? That connection is finger loose. And the fluid reservoir is empty. You would have noticed the steering getting very hard quite suddenly.”

“Too right. I thought I was just skidding, but the steering was hard, and resisted.” Mike frowned. “Have you told the police yet?”

“No, I figured you’d want to though.”

“Damn right, I do.”

The rest of the afternoon was taken up with the police – lucky Brin was the local contracted police examiner for vehicles – and Reg asking questions and taking notes. 

From my studio, Mike made several phone calls to his business, and then to a lawyer I recommended. I left him to it in private, made us some tea and took a plate of biscuits and the tea through to him. As he was deep in conversation with his bank, I quietly placed everything where he could see it and left him to it. Some time later he emerged looking worried.

“Damn, it looks like I’m going to have to go back to Barr’s Harbour first thing in the morning,” he said. “That sister of mine is really stirring things up. Where can I hire a car?”

“You won’t need to,” I said. “I’ll be driving you there as soon as you’re ready in the morning.”

For a moment, he said nothing. Then he slipped his arms round me and we kissed. Sensing he needed to just be held, I said nothing, just holding him in a close embrace until he kissed me again.

“Thanks, I needed that. My sister is trying to get my bank accounts frozen, and she’s been onto my shop managers. She’s hired some smart arsed lawyer as well, and he’s been applying for court orders against me. Fortunately I’d warned my shop managers and the bank about what was going on before I left, and the lawyer you recommended says if I bring him everything I have as soon as possible tomorrow, he’ll counter file with the court.”

“Hell, I’m really sorry about this.” Kissing him again. “I suggest we get some supper, have an early night, and I’ll drive you straight there in the morning.” I chuckled. “Your suit and shoes are ruined, I think, but I suspect that’s the least of your considerations. Now then, what do you fancy for supper?”

The drive to Barr’s Harbour went smoothly and we arrived at the lawyer’s office just as he did. He greeted me warmly ushering us into his office. “Good morning, Mr Wilson, everything going well?”

“For me, yes. Can I introduce Mike Parker? I suggested he talk to you yesterday.”

“Good to meet you, Mr Parker. I may have some good news for you already. I counter filed immediately after talking to you and gave the court the Case Numbers you provided.” He smiled. “I should think your friends are now scrambling to find a defence.”

Having done my bit I left them to discuss business and did some of my own. After all, if you’ve come all the way to the city, might as well make it all worthwhile. I timed it just about right, getting a message to say they were finished just as I contemplated some coffee and a snack. We met in my favourite coffee shop a few minutes later.

“Thanks for putting me onto Rowland and Brinton,” Mike said as he seated himself. “They’ll be undertaking a complete review of all my legal stuff, and I’ll get them to review my employee contracts as well. My Accountants are also in touch with them now, so …”

“Great, sounds like things are going to work for you then. What next?”

“I have to go to my office and sort a few things there, but first, are you going back to Petersford immediately?”

“I hadn’t planned to stay, so yes, probably after lunch.” I grinned. “You’re going to have your hands full with business I should think. I just need to call my agent and see if he’s a slot free, I need to check a couple of things with him for a commission.”

He hesitated. “If you’ve no rush to get back home, I’d love it if you would stop at my place for the night at least – I hoped we could at least have dinner this evening.”

I smiled. “I’d love too, but I really don’t want to take up your time, you’ve a hell of a lot to deal with right now.”

“All the more reason for me to have your company tonight.” Putting a hand on mine, he added, “This is turning out uglier and nastier than I ever imagined. Please stay.”

We got to his upmarket apartment late, and it was obvious he was pretty frazzled. I made us a light meal while he poured us some wine, then I just let him unwind. 

“I’m a shit host,” he said as we put the plates and glasses in the dishwasher. “I’ve just assumed you’d share my bed tonight …” 

His puppy eyes and look made me laugh. “I’m shocked, sir! The very thought … Next you’ll be trying to kiss me, and have your wicked way …”

“In latex! And chained to the bed so you can’t escape me!” His arms slipped round me and we embraced, kissing tenderly. “Thank you,” he whispered, tears trickling down his cheeks. “I needed a dose of your teasing …” 

“Come on then, Mike. Take me to your bed and ravish me …” I kissed him deeply, then kissed away the tears. “I think you need it, my love.”

He sighed. “More than you could possibly know, Pete. I don’t know how I’m going to cope with this, I really don’t. I’ve been putting it off for a long time – until I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I never thought anyone would try to kill me though …”

“Come on, Mike. You really need to wind down. Let’s go to bed and see if I can help you.” I let him steer me to the bedroom, very aware of his need, and let him undress me, doing the same for him as tenderly as I could.

Our clothes abandoned where we dropped them, we slid onto the bed. I let Mike lead on our lovemaking, sensing that he needed to do so. “Mmm, I don’t think I would have made it through all the drama today without your support, Peter.” He kissed my cheek, then sought my mouth. “My own fault, I’ve put off dealing with this for far too long.”

“I know the feeling, Mike,” I whispered. “Now, are we going to talk about it, or are you going to have your way with me, lover?”