AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I've decided to make a long, multi-chapter story, although each chapter can and will stand on its own. Put together they will tell the story of Randy Ryo MacLean as he heads into his future, and those that travel along with him. There are several points in the story that will need to be explained, which I will do at the beginning of each chapter.
Thank you for reading – I hope you will enjoy!
Clarification Point:
* Up until a few years ago, the legal age in many states was 21. I used this fact to set the scene for part of this story. As of today, Mississippi is the only state with the 21 age limit.
* I consider the two encounters between Ryo and Leo to be several months apart.
All characters, unless listed below, belong to Sanami Matoh, and rightfully so. I just expand their horizons a bit. Point them in a more interesting direction, shall we say?
My Personal Supporting CharactersPedro, Katie, Sissy, Abraham Silverberg
My extreme thanks to Brit_Columbia for taking the time to find all those horrid errors I made, twice. I think I fixed them all.
timeline: directly after Volume 7, mid-November to Christmas Eve
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Chapter 1
Both Dee and Ryo collapsed in near exhaustion onto the couch in Ryo's living room. Their clothes were dirty and rumpled, their hair askew and muddied. Their bodies were in much the same condition; bruised, dirty, and showing other signs of recent abuse. But they were both smiling.
It was 8PM on a Saturday evening in November, less than 2 weeks before Thanksgiving, and the weather had been unseasonably warm all day. Mother and the staff at the orphanage had always chosen one day each month to celebrate all the birthdays for that month, and today had been the day to celebrate the November birthdays. And there were a lot of birthdays in November. Dee blamed it all on Valentine's Day, and Ryo really couldn't go against the logic; he was a November baby too. After the party the boys dragged Uncle Ryo and Uncle Dee out for a few innings of impromptu baseball, something they could rarely do this late in the season. The girls had already treated them to an early afternoon birthday/tea party, with Uncle Ryo as the birthday guest of honor.
Dee turned to Ryo, scratching his head and yawning, "I don't know about you, but I think I'm gonna be living up to National Impotency Month tonight."
Ryo snickered. "Ha! I'll believe that when I see it! Unless you're just getting old, eh Dee? I think you're just worn out, since most of the kids are boys, and they love to rough-house with their 'Uncle Dee'. Maybe you should exercise more?"
That comment earned Ryo an evil eyebrow from Dee, but Ryo continued. "You only got the wind knocked out of you – I caught the baseball on my forearm." Ryo frowned, looking convincingly wounded, while examining the bruise that had spread to three times the size of the initial impact area, and swollen equally in size. He had gotten his arm up just in time to deflect the offending projectile before it hit him in the face. "At least it's my arm and not my eye. It's gonna be stiff for a few days – no marksmanship records for the next few weeks."
Dee was still pouting. "Ha! Speak for yourself old man! Yeah, I feel like I just did a 10 block chase after a perp! Sheesh, I don't remember having that much energy as a kid." Dee frowned, brow burrowed in thought. Maybe he did need to get in better shape. He hadn't seen the inside of a gym for at least 6 months.
Dee quickly changed the subject. "And like you care about competition records! Your only competition is JJ, and he's out of town for a conference in LA. I don't see him running back here to challenge you to a shoot-out, especially since it a conference on drug supply lines into the US. You know he loves stuff like that – it brings his sharp-shooting skills to the fore. He loves being the center of attention."
Ryo had wandered into the kitchen to get some ice for his arm. "Nah, he's probably out there putting in applications for me to join the LA Police Department. I overheard him mention it to Drake last week, something about getting himself a nice Christmas present by transferring me out of the 2-7 to the LAPD. If I get any offer letters he's going to eat them – I WILL know who they came from. And you know as well as I that you can never be sure if JJ is kidding."
Thanksgiving 2AM
Both Dee and Ryo had showered and were currently sucking up as much comfort from the bed as they possibly could. "Damn, that was one rough double-shift tonight. At least we don't have parade duty tomorrow. I don't know about you, but I hate parade duty."
"That's today Dee, about 5 hours from now. The Chief knows that we visit the orphanage on holidays like this, that's why we do double shifts the day before. Only once we had to disappoint them on a holiday; that was the stalker/rapist case."
"Yeah, holidays are no fun for kids with no family." Dee got very quiet, a serious look on his face. He was remembering years ago. Most of the kids came and went, but there was always a core group that were 'family'. The un-adoptables. Dee had always felt himself a permanent member of that club. Of course, when possible adoptive parents came to view the children, he always made sure he wasn't going anywhere. To him, the orphanage was not a bad place to be. He knew what to expect there; these strangers that came in and looked them over like prospective pets were blank slates – no telling who or what they were.
Ryo was contemplating a reply to the comment when Dee rolled over and asked, "Do you regret not having any kids? That we ... you don't have a family of your own?'
The question caught him by surprise, and drove all thoughts of sleep from his mind. He rolled so he could look at Dee.
"No, not any more, not since I surrendered to my feelings for you. I gave up that silly notion that you have to procreate to have a real family. I gave up a lot of ill-conceived notions once 'we' became 'us'. And what do you mean about not having kids? We DO have kids, plenty of kids. First and foremost, we have Bikky and Carol, and we have all those sad children at the orphanage. What about little Pedro, who only spoke to you and Mother for a year, trusting no one else? And sweet little Katie; she really tugs at my heart. There are so many more, and each one is special."
Ryo shifted a bit closer to Dee. "Why else would we spend one or two full days a month with them, and as many evenings as we can manage in between? We have children that need us, that look forward to being with us, so that makes them ours, right? We have one hell of a family, Dee. I just wish we could do a bit more for them financially. Mother does her best, but after this long, her finances must be starting to dwindle."
"Yeah, I know, she really works hard, with very little male help with the kids. I just wish that I'd had an Uncle Dee and Uncle Ryo when I was there. It might not have taken me so long to straighten out."
Wrapping his arms around his dark-haired lover, Ryo pulled Dee close to him. "Dee, you've turned out perfect. I wouldn't want to change a thing. Now get to sleep, we've got a feast to cook in a few hours."
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Morning arrived all too soon. Ryo roused Bikky then headed for the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the three of them. Surprisingly Bikky hadn't put up too much of a fuss about Dee staying over last night, though he did voice his opinion that he would have preferred Dee to sleep on the sofa. Perhaps Bikky realized that it was easier after a double shift for the two men to be able to leave from one place.
Once breakfast was over, it was time to head for the orphanage. They all knew that Mother had the turkeys already cooking; what she needed now was help with the other parts of the meal. Once they arrived, Ryo immediately put Bikky to work peeling potatoes with the other kids. Dee had already donned an apron and was gathering ingredients to make several pies and cakes. If the other CI detectives saw Dee now, he would never live down the embarrassment. Ryo smiled at the thought.
Ryo was left to help with the side dishes, and assist Mother in supervising the odd group of kitchen helpers she had. The younger orphans had been enlisted to spread the tablecloths and place the napkins and silverware, while the older ones put out the dishes and glassware, guiding the younger ones with care. Everyone except the very youngest had a part to play in making Thanksgiving Dinner happen. They were under the watchful care of the other Sisters at the orphanage.
Once everything had been made, all that was left was moving the food to the dining hall. Dee and Ryo took a break while the older kids took all the dishes out to assemble the meal on the tables. Dee slipped outside for a breath of fresh air, and Ryo followed him.
Dee leaned against the wall, moving his head to look at the clouds in the sky; it was another beautiful Indian summer day. Ryo moved to stand in front of Dee, and smiled. "You have flour on your nose."
"It wouldn't surprise me where I had flour. Sissy got a bit wild there at the end and was 'dusting' everything, not just the pans. But I can't complain, they all had fun."
"And so did you, I was watching. You love these kids as much as I do." Ryo moved closer to Dee, putting his hands in the back pockets of Dee's jeans.
Dee reached out and pulled him even closer. "Have I told you today that I love you, Mr. MacLean?" He gave Ryo a quick kiss on the forehead, then ran one hand through Ryo's hair. "And that somehow you have flour in your hair?"
Ryo tilted his head up, as if he could see where Dee was looking. That was all Dee needed. He pulled Ryo close, whispered 'I love you so very much', and engulfed him in the most sensuous kiss he could muster.
Oblivious to everything going on around them, they never heard Mother come out the back door until she cleared her throat and spoke. "I hate to interrupt you boys, but dinner is on the table and we are not-too-patiently waiting for you two so we can say grace. Now get moving before I drag you both in by your ears." They hastily broke apart, both men blushing. Mother had spoken.
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After Thanksgiving, the days flew by. The string of armed robberies, burglaries, assaults, and thefts that accompanied the holiday season kept everyone in the CI unit busy. Christmas shopping kept Carol and Bikky busy, often dragging either Dee or Ryo with them when they weren't working overtime at the precinct. Hours tended to be long this time of year. When they did manage to drag either of them along, they mostly did window shopping. But it was still time well spent, the kids enjoyed private time with both men. As for Dee and Ryo, the kids were good for scouting info on what the other partner wanted, and they both used that advantage to the fullest.
Most of the CI unit was a little on edge – the schedule for the days between Christmas and New Years hadn't been posted yet, and tomorrow was Christmas Eve. The schedule that had been posted was removed two days ago. Ted was definitely getting pissed. How was a man supposed to schedule his Holiday Love Life if he didn't know when he was available?
Christmas Eve, 7 AM
"Damn Ryo, did you finally screw the Commish? It looks like we BOTH have the next 6 days off. We're listed for 'special duty' on Christmas night, whatever that is, but then nothing until New Years, second shift at that. "
"What? Don't be silly Dee, you know better. And really, Rose hasn't gotten within 10 feet of me lately. Let me see that schedule. Hmmm, looks like whatever is planned is for late in the day. And the Commish is on the assignment too. It just might be a stakeout."
Dee scowled at the schedule. "Damn, I wonder if the assignment lasts all 6 days, and we really don't have off? We can spend the day and have dinner with Penguin and her crew before having to report for duty. We'll have to let Bikky stay over with Penguin since it doesn't say how long we're going to be on duty. I hope it's not a lengthy stakeout duty, but if Rose is involved I bet it is, or something equally boring. I really don't want to spend my nights with the commish - not when I want to take you home and unwrap you, piece by lovely piece."
"Oh really, so I don't get to unwrap you? Or maybe you would rather be violently stripped and slathered with chocolate? From the waist down? And I won't use a brush ...."
"Oh, talk dirty to me Ryo ...."
Ryo smiled. He had Dee right where he wanted him. "I think that's enough to hold you until tonight. Now how about lowering that in box of yours by a few inches?"
"You sure do know how to spoil the mood."
Christmas Eve, 11 AM
"Gah, I'm tired Ryo. My fingers are cramped from filling out all these forms. Isn't it lunch time yet? Sheesh, why did I quit smoking? How about a break at least? Please?"
"All right, all right, we'll go to lunch. Drake and JJ just left, so maybe we can catch them at the diner. I'd like to at least sit and talk with them about something other than crime, and wish them a pleasant holiday. But JJ better keep his hands to himself. I'm getting a bit possessive about you lately, especially after that little stunt he pulled…."
Dee just smirked, secretly pleased to hear such a statement from Ryo.
They spotted Drake and JJ seated at one of the far booths, mainly since Drake was waving for them to join them. They made their way to the back, Ryo sliding in next to JJ – much to JJ's dismay – and Dee settled across from Ryo. At least JJ got the pleasure of being able to stare at Dee, even though he couldn't touch. He'd learned to be a bit more cautious around Ryo after finding his sandwich stuffed with the LAPD application he'd had sent to Ryo.
Drake started the conversation, aiming his first comment at Ryo. "What did you do Ryo, let the Commish screw you? How come you guys have six days off?"
The comment caught Ryo off-guard. I guess it does look suspicious, that much time off. This isn't the time of year to pull off that type of vacation. "You're the second one to suggest something like that. Do I really look like that kind of person? Really now, that would be more Dee's style."
"Yeah, except that Rose would rather see Dee on duty in Alaska than anywhere near his bed," sniffed JJ. Then, turning to face Dee he gleefully added, "But you're welcome in my bed anytime, my Adonis."
"And I'd rather be in Alaska than in your bed," retorted Dee, with a quick glance toward Ryo. He didn't want to chance getting Ryo upset about JJ right now.
Drake, being totally outside this conversation, decided the subject needed changing. "So, what's this 'special duty' you guys have scheduled for tomorrow? Maybe it's something that will take several days to complete? A stakeout maybe? I know there's some funny business going on with the gangs right now."
Ryo shook his head. "Haven't a clue Drake. Neither of us knew anything about it until it showed up on the roster this morning. Rose isn't in today so we can't ask him what it's about. I've left messages on his phone and sent him an email asking for details. but I haven't gotten any reply yet. I guess it could be a stakeout or something. Kinda looks like it, since it starts at night, though I'll have to find out fast, I may need to find a sitter for Bikky for a few days."
Drake laughed. "Don't look at me. I'm on duty for most of those days, and unless you want him camped in your office at the precinct, I can't do it."
The conversation was broken by the arrival of the waitress. After ordering, the topic had changed to a more seasonal one; what each was planning on doing, the parties each knew of, who had relatives coming in, that sort of thing. And everyone had a story about the wackiest gift they ever received, and quite a few about gifts they had given.
Christmas Eve, 2 PM
Ryo looked up as the gentleman lightly rapped on the frosted glass of the partially open office door.
"Yes, do come in."
A very well dressed gentleman entered, carrying a briefcase. He looked to be a professional businessman, perhaps even a lawyer. "Detective Randy MacLean?"
Ryo stood and nodded as the man entered, motioning to the extra chair next to his desk. " Yes, please, have a seat. What can I do to help you? "
As he sat he offered his business card to Ryo. "Thank you. My name is Abraham Silverberg. I am a representative of Greater Manhattan Associates, the law firm handling the estate of Liotta Grant. I do believe you knew him as Leo Grant? Upon his passing earlier this year we were given a specific task to perform for your benefit." At that, Mr. Silverberg opened his briefcase and handed both a large manila package and a sealed letter envelope to Ryo.
Ryo hid his shock at the mention of Leo. Another Christmas Eve that he was meddling in. Would it never end, even with his death? Glancing down at the envelope, he noticed it was marked, READ FIRST. "What is this all about?"
"He insisted that you wait until you are alone, at home or such, to read the contents. He asked that you at least be away from anyone that may accidentally see what is written. I do know it is a very personal letter to you that is enclosed. The contents were specifically written for only you to read, though if you wish to share the information later on, that is your prerogative. Will you be able to abide by his wishes?"
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Dee noticed that Ryo was exceptionally quiet on the ride home. He had asked if anything was wrong, or if the Commish had hit on him again, but Ryo shook his head and said nothing. He had a large manila package that he held securely on his lap.
Once dinner was over and they had gotten Bikky to bed, Ryo pulled Dee into the kitchen.
"I had a visit from a lawyer today. He gave me a letter, and the large package I brought home."
Dee sighed. "What did Bikky do now? Jeez, I try to keep an eye on him when you're not around but you really need eyes in the back of your h...."
"No, it's not about Bikky. He was one of Leo's lawyers. Leo left a letter for me, to be delivered on the Christmas Eve after his death. The instructions were to read it alone, in private, away from prying eyes. Will you sit with me?"
"You don't need to ask Ryo, anything for you." Dee's attitude got very serious. Even he wondered what that dead gangster was doing upsetting Ryo on Christmas Eve.
"Thanks, love." Quickly Ryo got everything he had left in the bedroom and brought it to the kitchen.
The large manila envelope held several folders labeled with the title of the information held, within each were numerous legal documents. And there was a small sealed envelope marked 'RECORDS ACCESS'. Putting that aside, Ryo opened the letter marked READ FIRST.
The letter contained in that envelope was several pages long, and hand written with an uncharacteristic neatness not expected of a man. Ryo took the first page and started reading.
Dear Detective MacLean,
No, let me call you Randy, if you don't mind, and even if you do mind. Grant me that small favor, since that's who you were when our paths first crossed.
Since that night several weeks ago when you witnessed my elimination of a 'problem', you have returned to my thoughts constantly. I believe that you overheard most, if not all, of the conversation. I sincerely do regret your finding out such sordid details in that harsh a way.
That fateful Christmas Eve so many years ago, unknown to either of us, set things in motion that would determine our future lives. We have each changed the other's destiny. I made you a cop, while you gave me, a professional murderer, a guilty conscience.
We did not meet for the first time several nights ago, we met, or I should say I met you, that terrible Christmas Eve. We were ordered to go to the hospital to determine the fate of our 'targets', to make sure we wouldn't be identified. I won't go into details as to the orders that went with that, but as a seasoned police officer I do believe you can guess.
You were sitting outside the room where they had placed your parents, looking like your world had collapsed. I guess in a way it had. If I had known, it never would have happened. I had to rely on information from an unfamiliar source; I have since made sure to double-check all information. We were told that your parents' car contained targets; very expendable targets, an error totally unforgivable. I don't think I've ever seen anyone as lost and confused as you that day. It brought back bad memories for me. But from that moment you took a different path to the future than you had ever imagined. You are two years younger than me, do you know that? Well, you were, I've stopped aging, haven't I?
What had you wanted to do with your future, Randy? Has anyone ever asked? I know you had exceptional grades, major university scale. Almost 5.0. Read a lot about you in the paper after that fateful afternoon. Did you want to follow in your parents footsteps? Take their place when the time came and become a successful art dealer? Open your own gallery in Manhattan? Really, it doesn't matter now, does it? You're a cop tracking your parents' murderers. But you can relax and maybe follow that dream, the last perpetrator has been neutralized. We are all dead now.
I know a lot about you Randy, but you really know nothing but my arrest & conviction record, and the fact I'm Bruno's adopted kid. My turn to come clean. I too am an only child that lost his parents to a freak accident. We are alike in several ways.
I am a mobster, a gangster, mafiosa, murderer. Heartless, cold-blooded, mindless killer of human beings. Only, since that first horrid mistake, I have taken great pains not to involve any innocent civilians. I don't want to hurt those who don't deserve it. Not after what I did to you. You have become my albatross.
My parents were in thick with Bruno – my dad was one of his most trusted men, reliable to a fault. He handled the southern Italy range of Bruno's territory. My mother worked keeping his books straight, all three sets of them. But there was a horrible boating accident off Naples. Both went overboard in shark-infested waters. Most of the wreckage showed signs of being shark-bitten. Needless to say they were never found.
Bruno took me in as his son, adopting me within a year. He introduced me into the family as a companion for his daughter Alicia. I think she was afraid of me at first. Like me, she had very few childhood friends. No one anywhere wants to associate with mafia children, especially if they are from high ranking members, even more so in Italy. We had a rocky friendship, but as the years flew by, she came to care for me, I believe.
But I wanted to take my father's place in the grand scheme of things. What better way than through the Big Man's daughter? Marry Alicia and I've got it made. Right? I thought so. I didn't count on her falling in love with me. She wanted a man, not a mobster. I'm afraid that although I've succeeded as a mobster, I've failed as a man.
But enough about me. Let's address the reason for this letter.
I read how the rest of your illustrious family thought the worst of your parents, even after being cleared of all charges after a lengthy investigation. I guess they thought if it took that long to clear them then they had to be guilty. You're better off without them. And if you've watched their business dealings over the last 10 years, a lot of things haven't gone their way. Quite a few bad business ventures, I made sure of that. Bad business ventures that benefited me, and in turn, you. But more on that later.
I have made some arrangements especially for you this Christmas. I have authorized my lawyers that upon my death, they release certain things to the Police Commissioner, which will trigger other events, all aimed in your favor. Everything I planned is to start on December 24th and culminate on December 25th.
This paperwork has been with my lawyers since soon after the 'Sam' incident. I will tell you that only two people have the right to kill me, and one of them is you. At this time I cannot say if either of you gave me the pleasure of my demise, but I felt you should know where I place you in my life. I was not kidding when I said you could shoot me. You definitely have the right.
But at that time you couldn't do it. For as much as we are alike, we are totally different. You can kill but you are not a killer. The man that stood before me with the shaking gun was not Randy MacLean, Detective, but an 18 year old young man facing the horror of his parent's death. I'm so sorry.
The enclosed bankbook is yours. It is your inheritance from your estranged family. Please enjoy it with my blessings, since they will never miss it. By all rights, it should be yours since it was 'stolen' from your parents. The money is not mob money – it is MacLean money. You can trace it back with the records I have supplied. And it is completely legitimate; they cannot contest it.
I've taken great pains to make sure of that. I started to gather these funds soon after that fateful day. Your grandfather and his brothers made their living in real estate. Their real estate dealings, shall we say, had a number of ups and downs? And I capitalized on their downs for you. Of course, I arranged most of those downs to test their vulnerability. Fools.
I've included paperwork detailing the current investment of your funds, and how to access the online files. Please, feel free to use the law firm I had. They are not mob related, just very good at what they do. I have set up an account with them to handle anything that may arise that is related to this case.
So in closing, Merry Christmas Randy. I've owed you this for a very long time. Go start an art shop.
Liotta 'Leo' Grant
As each page was read, Ryo passed it to Dee. When they had gone through the whole letter both sat silently for some time. Several times Ryo picked up a random page and re-read it. Finally, Ryo reluctantly opened the bankbook. A gasp of surprise escaped from his throat, and he placed the closed bankbook on the table, pushing it to where Dee would be able to reach it.
Several minutes later, Ryo broke the silence. "That was totally unexpected. Did you see the amount in the bankbook?"
"Yeah, when are you moving us to the nice, quiet suburbs? Looks like he screwed them over good. Must've had some good investors handling this account. The interest deposits are astounding."
"I think I just came up with a special Christmas gift for Mother, don't you?"
Dee looked a bit disappointed. "You aren't keeping it, then, not a penny? We could get a mansion on the Hudson with that." Catching the look in Ryo's eyes, Dee decided that was off the list. "Or at least a decent car - we really could use a more reliable vehicle. The bike don't work for foul weather and the Honda's seen better days. Maybe a Porsche?" Dee grinned hopefully.
"Oh, no, no Porsche in your future. Ever. You're not safe to ride with in the police cars. I will pay off your bike though. But don't worry, I fully intend to use some of it. Both Bikky and Carol will get decent college educations. With this there will be no strain on my salary to put each of them through 4 years. And there are a few older children in the orphanage that have little hope of advancing their educations, and really deserve a chance. I'm going to make sure that all get a chance, and their scholarships will be publicized as, 'courtesy of the MacLean Education Fund'. I can get some revenge with this too. I didn't think I would ever come to not hate Leo, but I see now that those past events scarred him too. And he got revenge on my family for me, to an extent that I could never have achieved on my own."
Ryo waved the bankbook in the air. "Thank you, Leo. I'll put this to good use."
"You really do love those kids as if they were your own, don't you? You're an old softie for the kiddies."
"Maybe I just have a thing for orphaned children." Ryo leaned over and kissed Dee softly on the lips.
"And I have a thing for people who take in orphans." Dee pulled Ryo down onto his lap, and advanced the kissing, and a few other niceties, to a more seductive level.
A half-naked Ryo came up for breath. "Not here, bedroom!" Quickly shoving the papers and bankbook back in the envelope, Ryo grabbed said envelope in one hand and Dee's hand in the other, pulling him toward the bedroom.
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TBC December 15th