Double Your Pleasure

This is a Dexter story, pure fiction on my part. No connection to the books or the series except of course this is Fan Fiction about our favorite Show, Dexter. No connection to anyone real at anytime.

Chapter One

"Dad and his Troubles"

Dexter crawled into his bed after a very long hot shower that washed off the lingering smell of his last kill from earlier that night. The hunt had gone well and the finale was executed flawlessly. As he lay there Dexter thought back to the evening's finale.

He had taken his time with this one. He had savored the moment when his knife had entered his victim's chest, plunging deep into the killer's heart that would no longer beat. He stood there letting his hands grip the knife after it had done its' job. He felt his void being filled with satisfaction and the Dark Passenger's relentless drive to kill ease up for a time to enjoy the thrill of the life that had just been taken.

Dexter started to pull his knife out and felt the death grip from the body loosen and allow his knife to free itself. Then he laid it on top of his victim's chest for a moment as if to honor the knife for a job well done. This led to the ritual of cutting the body into pieces, one bloody piece at a time. Tonight he had started at the head and worked his way down until all of his heavy duty trash bags were full of neatly cut body parts. He was a little sad when the last bag had been tied off and the last of the cleanup was complete but he knew that he would have many more pleasurable nights like this one and proceeded to ponder his next hunt.

Sleep came quickly for Dexter this night as the Dark Passenger had just been satisfied and Dexter was worn out, so much excitement but so tired.

Rita's phone call the next morning woke Dexter up to the sun light coming in through his bedroom windows letting him know that a new day had arrived. He reached for the phone as he sat up and sleepily muttered, "Hello."

Rita was a morning person and happily replied, "Good morning Dexter! Are you up yet?"

Dexter shook his head as words stumbled out of his mouth, "No. I'm still asleep, I think."

Rita laughed as she proceeded to tell Dexter what he was going to be doing this fine hot and humid Saturday, "Come over as soon as you can. We're meeting my dad for breakfast over at Molly's Café. He just drove in last night and wants to get together as soon as possible. Isn't that just great! I haven't seen dad for several years now and you've never met him. The kids are dressed and already standing out on the front lawn waiting for you to pick us up. Hurry now and we will see you in a bit. Okay? Bye!"

Dexter tried to take all of this in and make sense of it but he got side tracked on 'Dad' being there to eat. He was waking up a bit more and asked "Dad? Here?" Rita had already hung up and Dexter's phone responded with a dial tone to his questions. Dex looked at the phone questionably and hung up. "Okay." He said to himself. He had a slight grin on his face though as he made his way into the bathroom to freshen up and get moving. His 'Rita' had just given him his orders. He had better not waste any time.

Dexter pulled up in front of Rita's house and there were the three of them out by the curb. Cody and Astor looked like they were on pogo sticks the way they were bouncing around and waving at Dexter to hurry up! Rita looked as pretty as ever in a brightly colored summer dress with shoulder straps and was smiling with an eager expression. Dexter could see that they were ready to board the Dexter van and be whisked off to Molly's Café to see "Dear old Dad" a.k.a. "Grandpa".

He stopped just long enough to have the happy gang board and off they went. Dexter tried to say hello to everyone but only had time to squeak out a quick "Hel" then was drowned out by three voices all talking at the same time, sounding something like this, "Hurry Dexter, Hello, lets go, come on come on, Dad is waiting, I want to see Grandpa, I'm first, no me, kids be quiet, mom, he's picking his nose again, Cody stop, we are finally on our way, these kids are driving me crazy". Dexter gave Rita an amused look and rolled his eyes as he shook his head.

Rita asked, "Okay, what's the matter, Dexter? You can't understand two happy kids and an excited mom all yelling at one time?"

Dexter shrugged and said, "No, I only got as far as Latin and ancient Greek in school!" Rita tossed her head back and laughed then looked at Dexter with a loving expression as she put her hand on his leg as they drove off to meet dad.

They pulled into the parking lot at Molly's Café, parked, and then they all headed towards the entrance. Rita's dad, CJ, short for Courtney James, was waiting out front. When he saw his family running his way his face lit up with a big smile. Cody and Astor got there first as grandpa gave them both a hug at the same time. Grandpa kissed each on the head and said,"Oh my gosh you two have grown so big since the last time I saw you! How do you grow so fast anyway? I bet mom makes you lots of pancakes with vegetables and cottage cheese!"

Cody puckered up and told grandpa, "Yucky! No way grandpa, when we have pancakes we have butter and syrup.", as grandpa looked at Cody and laughed.

Astor replied very smugly, "Grandpa you just made that up. Real people don't eat like that.", then smiled with a knowing look on her young face and nodded to grandpa letting him know that was the final word on that topic. Grandpa laughed out loud as he looked down at his two grandkids with his expression showing how much he loved these two.

Rita watched as her dad and the kids greeted each other, while her and Dexter stood next to them. As CJ looked toward Rita she stepped in between the kids and gave her dad a big hug. He returned the hug with one of his own, with Rita's head resting on his shoulder as she closed her eyes and let her dads' embrace make her feel like a little girl again. She took a deep breath then sighed as she stood there remembering how she loved this so much as a child, to be in her dads' arms and feeling so safe and warm, and so loved. CJ kissed her on the cheek then stepped back as he put his hands on her shoulders and looked down into his daughters' smiling face and with a huge smile on his face said, "God, I love you! You are still my little girl and as cute as ever!" He pulled her back for another hug.

As her dad hugged her again, Rita squealed excitedly, "I love you too dad!" Then gave him a big squeeze! Rita and dad finally stepped apart long enough for dad to get a good look at all three of his loved ones and felt great. He was happy to be here and wanted to spend as much time as he could with his family. He had missed them so much and he was finally here!

Rita realized that Dexter had been standing there and she had not introduced him yet to her dad. She gave Dexter a big smile, grabbed his hand and pulled him closer and said, "Dad, this is Dexter Morgan, my boyfriend. Dexter, this is my dad, CJ." The two men shook hands, smiled, and nodded. Dexter was perfectly happy with this but it seemed CJ was in the hugging mood as he grabbed Dexter and gave him a big hug while slapping him on the back several times.

CJ stepped back as he looked at Dexter with a big grin on his face saying, "It's good to finally meet you Dex. Rita has told me so much about you. If even half of it is true then I know she has a good man here!"

Dexter thought "Well she only knows half the truth anyway so I guess I'm down to about twenty-five percent good."

CJ laughed and slapped Dex on the back again as he looked at his daughter and winked. Rita loved this, her two guys' right here, together.

Dexter really didn't know what to say at this point. These situations called for emotional responses and as good as he was at faking these in every day situations this moment called for something a bit more than the usual.

All he could come up with though was, "Glad to finally meet you too, CJ." He looked at Rita with a grin and hoped someone would take charge and get everyone focused on something else besides him.

Cody took the hint unknowingly and chimed in, "I'm hungry!" He went towards the entrance and everyone followed. Dexter mentally thanked his little buddy.

After breakfast they headed back to Rita's for a good visit and to get all the latest news. Once in the house Rita went into the kitchen to make coffee and get the kids some sodas. Grandpa received a tour of the kids' bedrooms to get the latest on their favorite this and that along with the up to the minute tales each could tell on the other! Grandpa listened and commented as Cody and Astor rambled on for an hour or so. CJ was a good listener and always acted surprised and happy at every opportunity. Cody and Astor both loved their grandpa and he wasn't shy in letting them know that he loved them both very much and thought that they were both just the best that ever was!

Rita delivered the sodas first then a few minutes later a cup of hot coffee to dad. She lingered for just a moment to listen to dad and the kids talking and laughing. She smiled and went back out into the living room and joined Dexter on the couch.

Dexter asked as he looked at Rita, "Did your dad just pop up this morning or did you know he was coming?"

"He just phoned this morning and said he was in town, just like that. It caught me totally by surprise!"

Rita was looking at Dexter and holding his hand, then turned away and looked out the window for a moment like she was gathering her thoughts, then continued, "We had talked over the past year or so about the possibility of him selling the gun shop and retiring here in Miami to be near me and the kids but I didn't know he was actually coming until he called. I don't even know if he has sold the shop yet or not, we haven't had time to talk about any of that. We can ask him once the kids are done."

She smiled and then looked back to Dexter, "I can't believe my dad is here!" She jumped up and sat on Dexter's lap and gave him a big hug and a kiss. Dexter liked this part but wasn't so sure about all of the rest. They sat there in silence, cuddling for a while, just thinking as they waited for dad.

Dexter wasn't sure about having Rita's dad around all the time. Rita had grown accustomed to his odd ways and hours. Pop may not buy into Dexter like Rita had. Pop seemed to be an intelligent guy and would have Rita's best interest at heart. So far so good but Dexter knew he would follow Harry's code and do everything to blend in and not be too conspicuous.

Dad and the kids came back into the living room and joined the cuddling couple. Rita got up off of Dexter's lap and asked her dad, "Okay dad, let's hear all about your plans and give us all the details. Does anyone need a refill?" She went off to the kitchen to get everyone their drinks and also brought back some chips for munching while they talked.

CJ started off, "I sold the shop and closed the deal about a month ago. I made out pretty good too considering all the property we had and the town's folks looking to live out in the country. The developer bought the business and most of the inventory for top dollar so they could get their hands on the property, over 1200 acres." He had an attentive audience and smiled at all of them before continuing on.

Dexter was looking at CJ while he spoke. CJ was about 60 or so, was about 6' maybe 6' 1", probably weighed in at around 220 to 225. CJ looked like he had lifted weights over the years but had not done so for quite a while but in any case still looked strong enough to take care of himself if needed. He had taken note that CJ moved well for a big man. His hands were big and looked rough, a man who was use to hard work. He had a full head of short gray hair and green eyes. His normal expression was relaxed and was quick to smile from what Dexter had seen so far. He seemed like the kind of man that was very much into family and wouldn't put up with anyone who would try to mess with any of his own. He had noticed a few quick but disturbed expressions CJ had shown during a couple of noisy moments at the café earlier that made Dex think there was something else going on underneath CJ's fatherly veneer. Dexter knew he was good at reading people and sizing them up as his many victims had found out the hard way. As a matter of habit Dexter found himself following Harry's code, don't get caught, do your homework, be sure. He knew he wasn't after CJ but suspected CJ might be pretty good at reading other people too. Time would tell.

CJ continued on, "I'm glad you are all here together so I don't have to repeat some of this several times. I want all of you to hear this right from me." CJ moved over to where Rita was sitting and sat down next to her and put his hand out for her to hold. Rita held his hand with a look of concern now based on the way dad was talking then this, holding her hand. The kids picked up on this and moved closer to grandpa too. Dexter stayed still, watching and listening.

"I am going to say this but I don't want any reactions until I finish, promise?" as he looked around to everyone. Everyone nodded in silence.

He continued, "I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer about a year ago." As Rita heard what her dad had just said she looked shocked and started crying immediately as she turned to him to give him a huge hug.

She was crying but was able to blurt out, "Oh dad, no, no!" Cody and Astor didn't fully understand but were scared by their mom's sudden reaction. They both started crying too and jumped up to hug grandpa and mom. Dexter looked on as CJ started to cry just a bit himself. Dexter could not feel their pain or their concern but knew his own ties to Rita and the kids had grown stronger over time and could only relate a bit through that.

CJ regained control after a moment to go on,"Rita, honey, the kids. I asked you not to do this until I finished.", as he smiled. Rita's eyes were red from crying, her face moist with her tears as she reached out and touched Cody and Astor to help them calm down. She smiled and brushed their hair with her fingers as she looked at each of her children. She knew she had reacted so suddenly that she had scared them both and felt bad but the news about her dad having cancer was not something she had expected to hear. In fact it was the last thing she wanted to hear. He was so healthy looking, so happy and smiling. The thought of losing her dad and the possibility of him suffering had just been too much.

Once everyone had settled down and the kids had stopped crying CJ continued, "I'm not dying yet folks, come on now. We caught it early. I was given several options by my Urologist when he got confirmation, after all of the tests, that I had Prostate Cancer. I chose to have the operation to have my prostate taken out hoping if we caught it soon enough that would be the end of that. I had the operation eleven months ago. They determined after the operation that the cancer may have spread after they checked the prostate; the cancer had reached the outer edge. It could be years before any sign might show up, if ever. In the mean time I'm just me as usual."

Rita's expression showed that she was very concerned about her dad because of his cancer and looked at her dad first, then the kids, over to Dexter then back to her dad, saying, "Dad, we are here for you, all of us. Just let us know what we can do, what ever you need. Anything!" The kids both confirmed that they were there for grandpa too, just like mom. Dexter nodded showing concern and his support as well.

CJ sat up straight and said, "Ok, what I need right now is a happy family, just this very minute! I recovered from the operation in about six weeks and I don't want to have to wait that long for anything again!", as he laughed and the mood started to lighten.

CJ was glad that he had told everyone and was sorry that whenever anyone heard the word "Cancer" they immediately wanted to do something like cry or offer help or say something like "I'm so sorry". This wasn't really an uncommon reaction but in his case there was not an immediate threat, according to the doctor's. He didn't need or want sympathy. He wanted to live and be with his family as happy as they could be.

They continued on with questions about Prostate Cancer, the operation, what would be next if the cancer came back, until they had accepted it for what it was and felt better knowing that CJ was going to be around for a very long time. Dexter could see that everyone was very relieved.

The movers had dropped everything off at CJ's new house, bought and paid for. The movers had all of the big stuff in the right places and left some boxes in the garage and others throughout the house under CJ's guidance. Rita had helped her dad pick out the house and made sure it was in the right neighborhood.

This neighborhood was where she wanted Dexter and her to move into, together. She had been working on this for sometime now but had not been successful, yet. She had taken advantage of the opportunity by dragging Dexter around while they were house hunting for dad to get Dexter into the area and kept dropping hints. The quality of the schools, how safe the area was, how close it was to their work, and of course how close it was to dad's place. The homes were beautiful, large yards, many with pools and Jacuzzi's. With Rita's house paid for and Dexter receiving a good sum for his dad's house they could afford to pay cash. Of course Dexter was always holding back.

Dexter heard the hints and hadn't missed any of Rita's previous efforts about moving in together. He had played along acting like they had time, why rush; let's think about the kids, it has to be right. He knew Rita was ready and the kids would love it but he also knew he had to have his space to be who he was; The Dark Defender, The Dark Passengers' mate in arms, the serial killer that killed other serial killers while following Harry's code. He needed his freedom and didn't dare get trapped in a situation that would stifle his urges or efforts to hunt and fill the void or allow Rita to see or even get a glimpse of who he really was. Don't get caught and blend in he thought knowing he had to keep a fine balance or everything would fall apart.

They all pitched in to help CJ get the basics set up before they went out for dinner. They found the bed clothes and made up the beds and then unpacked the boxes in CJ's bathroom and then in the kitchen they found the two boxes marked "kitchen me first" and got those opened and unpacked. CJ could now get a goods night sleep, shower, and fix a quick meal or two before diving into the rest of the unpacking.

CJ asked Dex to follow him to get one more item taken care of while Rita and the kids finished up in the kitchen by washing the few pots and pans along with the dishes and silverware.

CJ led Dex into the den, shut the door, then walked over to the safe and opened it. There was CJ's gun collection along with ammo and the cleaning gear. CJ watched Dexter's expression as he looked over CJ's collection of hunting rifles and hand guns to get a feel for how he felt about guns. Dexter had a respectful expression and a slight smile while nodding his approval of everything he saw, telling CJ that Dex at least appreciated what he was looking at. Dexter also saw a stack of what looked like a dozen or so journals on the floor of the safe which made him think, "What are in those journals that CJ has to keep them locked up? Curious! "

CJ wanted to go hunting with Dexter if Dex was up to it. CJ was trying to ease into the question by seeing how Dexter responded to his comments about hunting and his experiences as a hunting guide.

CJ explained, "I like to hunt, Dexter."

Dex thought, "So do I."

CJ continued, "I have killed a lot of animals in my time but not just for sport. I've always had a reason, mainly for the meat and thinning the herds to give the rest of the herd a better chance to survive."

Dex thought, "I have my reasons too."

CJ saw the grin on Dex's face and took this as an approval. CJ felt better already about Dex. He had hoped that this would not turn him off or push him away.

CJ proceeded in his round about way to feel Dex out about his feelings on guns and hunting, "I've killed or help kill over a hundred animals through the years for myself and for the groups that I use to take out on hunting trips. Then we would clean and butcher them for the trophies and the meat. It's a bit bloody and messy. Some folks just can't stand the sight of blood let alone cleaning an animal. Since you work as a blood spatter analyst I know you have seen your share of blood and god knows what else at the crime scenes you have to work. I guess what I'm trying to say is if you have a mind to go hunting with me sometime I would really like that."

Dex thought, "His count is higher than mine but I wonder if he would like to go on one of my hunts sometime?"

Dexter told the truth, "Yes, I would. That would be good." smiling and nodding yes. The two had just bonded at a very basic level, as hunters. Both killers in there own way. Both skilled in hunting; stalking, killing, dismembering, getting rid of the parts they were not going to keep, and keeping what they wanted after all else was said and done. They both felt pretty good at that point, each in their own ways of course. CJ closed up the safe and spun the dial. CJ never mentioned the journals and Dexter didn't ask.

CJ continued, asking Dexter a favor, "Dex, Rita does not like guns. She never came to the gun shop, not even once. She does not like hunting at all! She went fishing with me once when she was little and cried for an hour when I pulled in a nice catch and she saw the hook in its mouth. I had to throw it back in, after telling her the fish couldn't really feel the hook. I want Rita to know that it is safe here for her and the kids. This safe cannot be opened by accident. I will never open it again when the kids are here. I will not talk to them about guns or hunting. Maybe fishing though, by the way I hear you have a boat. If Rita asks you about the safe please let her know we spoke and how it's safe for the kids to be here. I would never do anything that would hurt Rita or the kids in any way, period."

Dexter nodded yes and told CJ, "No problem. I feel the same way myself." The two smiled and walked back towards the kitchen. Dexter thought about the favor CJ had just asked of him. CJ trusted him to help keep his relationship with his daughter and his grandkids safe and secure. This was something new for Dexter. He needed to think about how this made him feel but it would have to wait for the time being.

Continue on to chapter two…..