The Hathaway

Inspection

When I returned to work, Heather had left a note on my desk asking me to come to the archives when I had a chance. I found her sitting at one of the research tables pouring over a couple of very old and very fragile books. “How was lunch?’ she asked cheerfully.

“The sandwiches were fine,” I responded, “But the company was exceptional.” I told her how the boys had asked to be included, and how Ash seemed to be relaxing into the group. I did not bother to tell her about the group masturbation or my theories on how that had helped, focusing instead on camaraderie and their growing sense of being brothers. “Can’t wait till sibling rivalry rears its ugly head,” I laughed. “But this is not a traditional family, so we might be spared.”

“That’s so sweet,” she gushed, before getting down to business. She slid a large folder full of papers across the table to me. “This is for you. When Evelyn asked for you this morning she told me about this file. She’s been holding on to it since you asked about the Hathaway over two years ago. She told me she hadn’t exactly lied when she told you she put everything back, she just didn’t tell you that she had photocopied everything first, and had the file sitting in her desk. I think she was feeling guilty for misleading you and told me where it was so I could give it to you.”

“Have you had a chance to look at it?” I asked as I opened it and started leafing through the copies.

“I have,” she confirmed. “But only briefly. It seems to be entirely drawn from nineteenth century sources, so it wasn’t much help concerning the ruins you found. But I did find an interesting anomaly in a copy of an old map and have been doing some research.” She reached over and found the copy to which she was referring. I believe the original is in city hall. I’m planning to head over there this afternoon to see if I can find it, but from what I can make out it seems to say ‘old meeting house’, can you see?”

She handed me a magnifying glass and I took a look. The script was archaic and the copy made it even more difficult to make out, but it did indeed seem to say ‘old meeting house’. “Ok,” I struggled to recognize the site on a fairly empty map. “I suppose this could be the ruins. It’s hard to tell with so few landmarks”

“It’s at least in the ballpark,” she speculated. “If we compare drainage patterns and topography it appears to be on your property, but you’re right, there are very few recognizable landmarks on such an early map.”

“So who were they?” I asked. “What kind of meeting house was it?”

“I haven’t got that far yet,” she admitted. “I’m still piecing things together. The first settlers were French and had an alliance with the Native Americans who already lived here. It looks like there were sporadic attempts by Puritans and other separatists to establish footholds, but the Indians seem to have driven them all out until well into the early 1700’s.” She held up the book she was looking through and I could barely make out the title, ‘Early Churches of the Eastern Seaboard’. “I’m trying to find the earliest religious communities in the area, but I haven’t been able to find anything earlier than the first Congregational church, which began meetings in the late 1820’s. Their first building was completed in 1833 and the map was drafted in 1831 so I doubt it could be anything to do with them. Before that I can find no references to any kind of meeting house in the area.”

Heather was nothing if not thorough. “Impressive.” I offered. “All that in a matter of just a few hours? I have no doubt that you’ll get to the bottom of it before long.” I paused for a moment and asked, “Might Evelyn have some insights?”

“Just what I was thinking,” she smiled. “It might be just the thing to get her mind off the events of the last few days as well. I thought I might ask her tonight.

“Excellent idea,” I agreed. “What time were you going to head over there?”

About midway through the afternoon I got a call from Sylvia. “The fire inspector is coming over in about half an hour to look at the carriage house,” she informed me. “I just wanted to give you a heads up in case you wanted to be here. Ben and Helmut seem to have everything in hand, but you are the owner, so I thought you should know.” I thanked her and told her I would be there as soon as I could. I headed straight to the director’s office and informed him of what was going on, and he agreed that I should be present for the inspection.

When I turned the bend in the driveway I could see three vehicles from various fire departments, including a state level truck sitting in front of the house. I circled around to the back and joined the small crowd that was peering at the seemingly perfect structure in bewilderment. “This is Joey,” Helmut said, pulling one of the men from the crowd. “He owns the property.”

“Pleased to meet you.” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Inspector Clarke from the state fire marshal’s office.”

“Joseph Preston,” I nodded.

He introduced the county and local fire inspectors, and observed, “Not the usual inspection. I’d have a hard time believing it if the reports were not coming from such a reliable source.” He motioned toward the local inspector and said, “Your fire chief is one of the best in the state. If he said this building was fully involved, then it was fully involved, no doubts.” Then turning to the carriage house he continued, “But this...I just don’t...” He looked at me to help him understand. “How is it possible?”

I shrugged. “Beats me, and I witnessed it. We all did,” I added gesturing toward Ben and Helmut.

“Well, shall we take a closer look?” He extended his arm towards the front door in an invitation for me to unlock it so they could go in. He told us that it would probably take about an hour and that we were welcome to observe if we wanted to, but that we might find it boring. Helmut wanted to go with them since many of his things were still being held hostage in the structure which had been off limits for a couple of days now. He seemed particularly interested in rescuing some more of his clothes and other personal effects while he had access to them.

Ben and I went into the kitchen to see what the kids were up to. Sabina was watching some TV in the rec room, while Beth was giving Jodi a tutorial on applying dark eye shadow. “What do you think?” Beth asked as she finished highlighting the corners of an eye. “Too much?

We cast a critical eye on her handiwork and Ben responded, “Very nice, I like the use of complementary colors, although, if you’re going to go that dark I think she needs to be paler., You know, high contrast.”

Jodi picked up a mirror to take a quick look, while Beth considered and concurred. “I see what you mean. A shade or two lighter on the foundation should do it, thanks.”

“You should check in with Miss M.” I added. I’m sure she could…”

The look of horror I received from Beth and Jodi stopped me in my tracks. Dripping with condescension in a way that only a teenager can, Jodi sneered, “I’m not going for drag queen. I’m doing goth!”

Ben chuckled and slapped me on the shoulder. “Yeah, you old fart! Keep your subcultures straight!”

Beth let the slightest hint of a grin reveal how amusing she found this, and I apologized, “Sorry. In my day the Goths were a bunch of barbarians who overthrew the Roman Empire. Silly me.”

Jodi rolled her eyes at me and left the room in exasperation.

“I think you have officially been initiated in the ‘dad’ club,” Beth grinned. “Congratulations.”

Sabina turned around and shushed us with a look of annoyance.

“Well!” I feigned outrage. “I know when I’m not wanted. Where are the boys?”

“Out back,” Beth gestured toward the back door. Who knows, maybe they’re spying on the fire inspectors, were any of them cute?”

This time I rolled my eyes, “I wouldn’t put it past them.” Then turning to Ben I suggested, “Let’s go see if we can find them.”

They were not anywhere in close proximity to the carriage house, so we decided to take a stroll along the perimeter of the property and see what we could find. We actually entered the forest when we came near the ruins, just so we could give them a wide berth. I was not anxious to encounter those spirits again, after seeing the strength of their power, but I knew we would have to face them sooner or later. Upon returning to our own property I noticed a small thicket of young trees at the edge of a meadow. I thought I could make out some unusual colors peeking through the spaces between the trunks, so we decided to check it out.

We approached as quietly as we could, but when we saw what was going on we realized we could have driven a bulldozer in and we wouldn’t have been noticed. All three boys were sitting on the ground leaning against three of the larger trees. All of them had their pants down around their ankles and were totally focused on jerking their own dicks while watching the other two do the same. Ben and I backed away, careful not to make any noise. Once we were out of earshot we both burst into laughter. “Such memories!” I smiled.

“Of what?” he asked, “Circle jerks, or doing it in the woods?”

“Both, I guess. How about you?”

“Lots of circle jerks,” he admitted, “But…” He hesitated before acknowledging, “Not so much in the woods.”

“Really?” I challenged, “And you a forestry major? Didn’t any of your fellow students get frisky when you were out counting trees or something?”

“Not really,” he stuttered, “At least not with me. They were all straight.”

“I bet that wouldn’t have mattered if they knew how talented that throat of your is.” I reached down to rub is crotch, but he didn’t really respond. “What’s the matter?” I asked.

“Nothing,” he muttered, “Just, I never had playmates like that when I was a teenager. Kinda wish I had.”

“It’s not too late,” I tried to drag him into the trees, but he didn’t want to follow.

“No, the boys might catch us."  He turned to walk toward the house. “Besides, you’re not a playmate, your my lover. I share everything with you. A playmate is…” he struggled to find the words.

“Someone different?” I ventured, “Someone new?”

He looked at me with an apology in his eyes. “I don’t know. I guess, maybe. It’s just...since last night...it was really fun to watch other guys going at it, then having Helmut go at me like he did while you were watching. It was just so…”

“Hot?  Yes it was.” I thought for a moment, and speculated, “You never played the field much did you? I mean, you weren’t a total virgin when we got together, but not far from it, were you?”

“I’d done lots of sucking, but not much else,” he blushed.

And you’re probably wondering what it would feel like to have someone else’s dick in your ass.” He didn’t respond, and I knew that in itself was a response. I grabbed his arm and forced him to turn and face me. “You’re curious, aren’t you?”

I could see the struggle behind his eyes. “I love having your dick in my ass. I love putting my dick in your ass. I love when we suck each other off, and kiss, and cuddle. I love just having you beside me, knowing you understand, knowing I’m safe. I love being with you on every level and I can’t imagine my life without you.” Then looking me in the eye, he softly added, “But, yes, I am curious.”

I threw my arms around his neck and squeezed him tight, whispering, “And I love you too." I released him enough to look him in the eyes.  "Of course you’re curious, as well you should be.  Remember, I have a good ten years more experience than you do, I’ve been able to satisfy my curiosity, but there are still times when I just want the excitement of a fresh cock. It’s only natural. Don’t worry, I do understand.”

He seemed relieved, and whispered, “Really?”

“Of course. We’ll figure something out so you can satisfy that curiosity of yours,” I teased, reaching around to grab his ass as I pulled him toward me for a kiss.

“Oh my god! Get a room!” Kevin sneered as the boys walked past us, giggling.

“Why?” I shot back, “Don’t like doing it in the woods?” His step faltered and his head snapped back fixing me in a horrified glare. I just grinned at him, before returning my attention Ben and that kiss that was waiting to be delivered.