A/N: This chapter contains strong adult situations and content, please consider yourselves duly warned.
Bret Hart looked at his watch, Adam had been gone a long time. He hoped Adam wasn't ill. He looked for Dave Batista, but Bret didn't see him either. Hart figured the guard was probably looking after Adam, after all that was his job.
Just as Bret decided to to check on Adam, a waiter arrived at the table with a note. Bret unfolded the paper and read the note. "Adam not feeling well. Said he was very sorry, but he wanted to go home. D. Batista" Bret frowned, something about this did not feel right.
Jesse Ventura saw Bret's expression. "What's wrong?" They had concluded their business, a preliminary deal had been signed.
Bret looked at Jesse. "Adam is ill. I'd better see to him. Thank you for the deal, Jesse. I hate to just leave, but you can understand, I hope. Goodnight." Bret quickly threw a wad of cash on the table and left the restaurant. Jesse stared after Bret, but yes, he could understand. If he was dating someone as beautiful as Adam, he'd have done the same. He didn't let it stop him from enjoying his dessert and coffee. He would call Bret later and check on the pretty blond.
When Bret got outside, he called to the Valet Attendant. Of course the limo was gone, so the Valet called for a cab. The Valet had just come on duty, so the man had no answers for the questions Bret had asked.
Bret had the cab drop him off a block from Jericho's Place. He knew Chris would not appreciate a cab pulling up to the house. Bret didn't want Adam punished for any faux pas he made.
Bret carried the "dogie bag" of dinner left overs, Adam had saved for the others. Bret was amazed at how Adam always shared, he was also sure Adam probably shared his shopping as well. Bret didn't mind, it was just another part of Adam that made him so special.
Wade Barrett opened the door. He was shocked to see Mister Hart. Bret spoke first. "I came to see how Adam is. He left so fast, I hope he isn't too ill. Oh, he forgot this, for the other boys. May I see Adam?"
Wade stepped aside to let Bret in. "Mister Hart, I'm... Adam isn't here..." He paused and called to Chris. "Jericho! You'd better come up here!"
Chris was spending a rare evening in the basement with his boys. He wanted them to know it wasn't their fault business had dropped off. In his way, Chris deeply cared about his whores. That was what made him different from Calaway. He hurried up the stairs, Wade had sounded rather upset.
When Chris arrived, Bret once again explained about Adam. He pulled the note from Batista out of his pocket and handed it to Jericho.
"... the waiter gave me that. I thought maybe Adam didn't want to have to explain in front of my dinner partner... you'd have been proud of Adam. It's because of him I sealed a good deal tonight. I wish..." Bret's words trailed off, no point in asking to buy out Adam's contract again.
Wade looked at the note Chris held in his hand. "We trusted that bastard..." Chris shot wade a glance that shut the Englishman up.
"Look, Bret, Wade will drive you back to the hotel in the other limo. It's not as big or fancy, but anyway... I'll... refund the rest of Adam's time with you." Chris looked at the Canadian businessman in earnest.
Bret shook his head. "No, keep the money, I just want to know what happened to Adam." Bret was confused and slightly hurt that Adam would just walk out like that.
Jericho sighed. "I can't tell you, because I don't know. There's been a problem... Bret, please, go. I'm sorry, you can have a replacement if you want... Evan is a sweetheart." Chris didn't want to tell Bret that Adam had probably been taken by Mark Calaway.
Bret shook his head. "No. Thanks anyway, but Adam is the only one for me. Please, Chris, I am at the hotel until Sunday evening. Let me know about Adam, please?" He looked at Chris like a lost pup. It was actually quite sad.
"I will... Wade?" Chris looked at the Englishman with a nod to the door. Wade and Bret left. Chris took the bag of delicious steak and lobster left overs down for the boys to share. He said nothing about Adam, no point in upsetting the boys even more. He knew how they all felt about the hazel eyed blond.
Chris went back upstairs, to his office. He had some phone calls to make. He then decided as soon as Wade returned, he'd go down to The Pink Cigar. Maybe Johnny Ace would know something, he usually did...
Roman and Jay followed Dean into The Pink Cigar. The place had a few customers, but for a Friday, it was very slow and quiet. It was another result of the crack down.
The owner of The Pink Cigar eyed the three strangers as they took seats at the bar. Johnny Ace finished drying the cocktail glass in his hand as he stepped up to the bar. He cast a glance at Mark Henry, who sat stoically on his stool. The board showed none of the rooms in the back were in use. The crack down hurt everyone.
Johnny Ace put down the clean glass and tossed the drying towel over his shoulder. "What can I get you boys?" He looked at Roman. He figured the big man was the leader of the threesome.
Dean lit a cigarette. "Give them a beer, on top. I'll take a Bud, in a bottle." He spoke with authority. He wanted to show the bartender he was the leader, not Roman.
Johnny Ace served the requested drinks. Dean laid the cash on the bar. He wanted to establish a good rapport with the bar owner. Johnny Ace nodded to Dean.
Roman and Jay sipped their beers, it felt wrong to drink on duty, but then, were they on duty? Roman made a show that he was the 'protector' especially of Jason. Dean opened the conversation with Johnny Ace.
"Kinda slow for a Friday ain't it? Guess it's gotten to you too, damn fucking pigs." Dean sneered with an exhale of thick smoke. He knew places like this didn't bother with no smoking laws. Was he going to arrest himself?
Johnny Ace let out and airy voiced laugh. As a child, he'd suffered from nasal issues, an operation gone wrong had left him with they dry, arid voice that he hated.
"Yeah. Ain't seen you around here before." Johnny Ace had picked up another glass and began to dry it absentmindedly.
Dean let out growl, then took a pull from his bottle of beer, and swallowed. "Ain't been this far south before. We're from the north side. Fucking crack down, someone got two of my boys. Not sure if it was the pigs or grabbers. Decided I'd better get this one out before they got him too."
Johnny Ace relaxed a bit. No way were these guys cops, they didn't have that yard burned look that cops always had. "Yeah, it's bad here too. So he's yer boy, he's cute. If ya want, he can use one of my rooms. I take ten percent. That's Mark Henry, he'll keep yer boy safe while he's back there." Johnny nodded toward Mark.
Roman looked hard at Mark Henry, then to Johnny Ace. "That's my job. Wouldn't have lost the other two if they'd fuckin' listened to me. Christian here is a good boy. He's a topper." Roman wanted to establish that as quickly as possible. They had learned through research, whores who topped were rare, and sought after. They could command premium prices.
Johnny Ace looked at Christian/Jason with a raised brow. "Don't get many toppers. Some guys like that, but finding a boy to do it is rare. You might do good 'round here. So, tell me. Just who are you?" He looked from Roman to Dean.
Dean crushed his cigarette into the ashtray, and lit another. "Jon Moxley, Joe Anoa'i, Christian Cage. And you are?" Dean nodded to Roman and Jason then looked back to Johnny Ace.
Johnny Ace laughed airily. "John, but most call me Johnny Ace. Well, welcome to The Pink Cigar. Another round?"
Dean nodded and laid more cash on the bar. Johnny Ace showed his trust by not snatching the money. He'd let the tab grow. He finished drying the glass in his hand and served the three cops another round of beer. He took Dean's dirty ashtray and gave him a clean one.
All eyes turned to the door when it banged open like a tornado had struck. Chris Jericho stood at the open door and glared at the handful of patrons. His gaze lastly landed on Johnny Ace. He ignored the three men sitting at the bar.
Chris leaned on the bar. He grabbed the man by the shirt and pulled him in close and was only inches from Johnny Ace's face. "Where is he Johnny? Where the fuck is Adam? If you lie to me, you're dead, understand?" Chris let go of Johnny Ace and pulled a gun from the shoulder holster he wore and pointed it at Johnny Ace.
The three cops at the bar fought every instinct they had not to interfere. Instead, Roman pulled Jason off his stool and hid him behind his back as much as he could. Dean froze as to not make any sudden movements that would startle the gunman.
Mark Henry started to move, but Chris looked at him hard. "Johnny if you know anything, you'd better fucking tell me right fucking now!" Chris' blue eyes blazed with anger as he stared Johnny Ace down.
"Jericho, if I knew what you were blowing about, I'd tell you. What's wrong with Adam?" Johnny Ace was calm, like he had guns in his face more often than not.
Chris relaxed and holstered his weapon. He sank onto a bar stool and hung his head. Johnny Ace poured Chris a double shot of Grey Goose vodka with ice. Chris nodded and gulped down the drink in one go. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it and launched into what had happened to Adam.
As Jericho spoke, the three Detectives did a great job of hearing the story without appearing to listen. Mark Henry did listen and grew upset and angry. Adam had always been nice to him and Mark loved his little pet, Addy. He'd seen the boy go through a lot. He'd been glad when Jericho had taken Adam in off the streets. He prayed Adam would be alright...
Adam's head throbbed and his body shivered, why was he so cold? Bret didn't usually hog all the blankets. Oh god, why did he feel so sick? Why was the bed as hard as the floor? Adam tried to wake up from his icy dream.
Adam wondered if he'd gone back to sleep, at least he didn't feel as queasy as he did earlier. His head still pounded like a bass drum, and he was so damn cold. Adam let his eyes flutter open.
When the hazel eyes finally did open, they could see nothing. The room was blacker than black. Adam moved to sit up. He realized he was totally naked, and was on a cold, dirt floor. His body shivered again. Perhaps it was a flashback, from his cocaine usage, it happened rarely but it did happen.
Adam also realized there was a metal collar around his neck. He ran a shaky hand over the collar and found he was chained to the wall. There was barely enough length in the chain for him to lay down on the horrible floor.
On thing Adam knew for sure, this was not Bret's wonderful hotel room. Adam tried not to panic, he tried to think, what had happened. Oh if only his head would stop pounding and his mouth was dry and felt sticky.
The blond moved his hands along the dirt floor. He tried to figure out exactly where he was. His fingers bumped against something. He tentatively reached out, it was a bottle of water. Adam grabbed it greedily, then put it down, maybe it was drugged or worse, poisoned. As thirsty as he was, he didn't dare drink it. He might not be book smart, but Adam held a Doctorate in street wise.
"Okay" Adam thought to himself. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate. Again, he thought to himself. "We were at the restaurant. I had to piss. Bret kissed my cheek, told the waiter to wrap my left overs. I went to the bathroom, Dave followed like usual. I pissed, washed my hands... I remember, there was an awful smell, then I passed out. I woke up here, naked, chained to this wall, but where is here? Where is Dave? Where is Bret?" Adam was more frightened now. Did anyone know where he was? Was Dave alright? Adam heard the sound of voices. He laid back down and feigned sleep.
Adam heard metal slide against metal. Even though his eyes were closed, Adam knew a flashlight was shining on his face. It was all Adam could do to to remain still, and keep his hazel eyes closed, when he heard an all too familiar voice.
"Was easy. I figured he'd go take a piss at some point. Why wouldn't he trust me? Oh, I left the limo in the parking lot three blocks from the restaurant. Jericho won't have a clue." The voice of Dave Batista filled Adam's ears.
A new, unknown voice spoke. "He's been out a long time. I hope you didn't use too much ether. You did well though, Dave. I'm sure your mother will be glad to know she can have that operation now. You have a place here as long as you want. Sandow will keep the cops away. Well, let's let him sleep it off. He's even more beautiful up close. I may just keep him naked, chained to my desk. He'd make a pretty little decoration." The new voice was deep, and it's owner's laugh made Adam feel even colder.
Adam heard the scrape of metal again. He now had a fairly good idea where he was. Adam knew he was in the Deadman's Place, and Mark Calaway was his captor. Adam felt the cold wetness as tears spilled from behind his closed eyes. Somehow, the captive fell back into a deep sleep...
At The Pink Cigar, Jericho knocked back a second double shot of Grey Goose. He wasn't about to get drunk, he had to stay sharp, he had to find Adam. He knew Calaway probably had him, and that Dave Batista had betrayed him. All he needed now was proof.
The three Detectives at the bar had also heard. Dean had been furiously thinking of a way to engage Jericho in conversation. It was Jason's quick mind that got an idea.
Jason looked at Dean. "Sir, maybe he might have heard about what happened to Zack and Fandango?" He made his voice quiet and respectful, yet sad.
Dean gave Jason a grateful look with a wink. Dean spun on his bar stool. He decided to draw Johnny Ace in first, get Jericho's attention.
"Speaking of missing boys, you haven't heard anyone mention the names Zack or Fandango have you? I mean, we aren't sure who got them could have been the pigs, could have been someone looking to fill a house, it was dark, fucking dark."
It worked. Jericho gave a grunt. "Someone make off with your boys too? Someone has been busy and not just the fucking pigs... I wish it were the pigs." Jericho barely muttered his last words under his breath as a unlit cigarette bounced between his lips.
Dean pulled out his lighter, and flipped open the lid, he spun the wheel with his thumb. When the wick was lit, he held it up for Jericho. With a nod, Chris lit his cigarette, then Dean lit one of his own. He closed the lid of the lighter and returned it to his pocket.
Dean exhaled a stream of smoke. "Yeah. Roman nearly got fish gutted trying to save this one. There were six of them, Roman got four, but they still got my boys, makes me think it probably wasn't pigs after all. I gotta find a place to stay, can't go back, not after that." Dean took a deep drag of his cigarette, the flicked the ashes into the ashtray he now shared with Chris.
Chris leaned back on his bar stool.. He took a long, hard look at Roman. He could tell the man was strong, that was obvious. What really drew Chris in was the sharp, alert, eagle eyed look in his eye. One eye was always on the cute, sandy haired blond, the other watched the room. Jericho also noticed the deadly knife sheathed on Roman's belt.
Chris settled back on his stool. He gave Johnny Ace a hard look with a highly arched brow. No words needed to be exchanged, the two men knew each other. Johnny was one of the few people Jericho fully trusted. He knew Johnny Ace understood his gun pulling anger when he'd first arrived. Johnny gave Chris a firm nod, Chris returned it.
"Buy my friend here another beer. My name is Jericho, Chris Jericho. I run the whores on this side of town. Guess you probably overheard; my best prize was taken from me. I have a fairly good idea who has him. Look, cards on the table. I won't fuck with you, you don't fuck with me. I need muscles, he's got them, and you look like you can handle yourself. You help me, I'll help you. You and your boy can stay at my place. If you rent out your boy, give me twenty percent. I'll warn you though, business is rough, really rough right now. I can't put my boys on the street and client bookings are down. Fuckin' pigs. All we do is provide pleasure, why is that a crime?" For a brief moment, Chris looked like a lost child. He was hurting and didn't know how to make it stop.
Mark Henry moved off his stool and came to the bar. He put his empty iced tea glass on the bar. Johnny Ace gave him a fresh glass.
"If you need me, just call. I'd do anything for Adam; any fucking thing." Mark Henry gave Chris a nod and took his fresh glass of iced tea back to his stool.
Johnny Ace leaned in close between Dean and Chris. "He's half in love with Adam. He means what he says. I'll let him go anytime you need him..." he turned to Dean. "Take his offer. At least yer boy will be safe, he's a rare treasure..." He turned back to Chris. "Boy's a topper" He gave Chris a wink.
Chris leaned up to cast a look at Jason. "Well, that is rare. Even I don't have a topper. By the way, who the fuck are you?" He gave a laugh and leaned up to the bar again.
Dean gave a smile. "Jon, Jon Moxley, Joe Anoa'i and my prize, Christian Cage. Nice to meet you, Jericho. I'll trust you, but it works both ways. Don't fuck with me and I won't fuck with you. I have a feeling, we both know where to dump a body." He held his hand out for Jericho to shake.
Chris took Dean's hand and gave it a firm shake. "Deal, and yeah, I do know where to dump a body. Guess I'd better warn you. My right hand man, Wade Barrett won't like this, especially since my third in command probably just betrayed us. If I wasn't so desperate, this offer wouldn't have been made. However, I think you're a lot like me. Just wanting to provide a service and take care of our boys. Come on, you look like you could use a good hot shower and hot meal. Johnny, if you hear anything?" He gave the bar owner a nod.
"You know I will. I just hope he's not where we know he probably is." Johnny Ace growled. The thought of pretty, sweet Adam in Calaway's clutches almost made him want to vomit.
Johnny Ace watched as Jericho led the three strangers out of the door. He hoped his instincts were right. Deep down, the bar owner felt that the three new men were trustworthy. They'd better be, his life depended on it.
Chris led his new companions to a nondescript white Chevy Caprice. Dean got in up front with Chris. Roman squeezed into the back, he kept Jason close. Chris looked in the rear view mirror, yeah, the Islander would be a good body guard and the boys would like his looks. He started the car and drove off into the night...
When Adam woke up again, he had no idea how much time had passed. His head still pounded, but it wasn't quite as severe as it had been. Adam's tongue was thick, and his mouth felt like wet glue. He remembered the bottle of water. His thirst outweighed his fear the water was tainted. When his fingers found the bottle, it gave him a bit of relief when the seal was still intact as it cracked open.
Adam resisted the urge to drink the entire bottle, he wasn't sure if or when he'd be given more. He took two gulps and let them swish around in his mouth. He swallowed, recapped the bottle and set it back down. He crossed his leg and sat Indian style on the dirt floor.
The hazel eyed man felt like he would never be warm again. He uncrossed his legs and pulled his knees up and hugged himself, he rested his chin the dip his knees made as he held them close to his body. It made him sick to know that Dave had betrayed him, and Chris. Adam had always gotten along well with Dave. Adam knew his mother was terribly ill. He guessed if he'd had the chance to help his mother, he would have, no matter the cost.
Adam quickly changed his course of thought. He tried not to think of his sainted mother. He just prayed she wasn't ashamed of the choices he'd made. That she would realize, he did what he had to do to survive. Up till now, he felt he'd done fairly well, once he kicked the cocaine monster.
Adam turned his thoughts to Bret. He knew the man must have been frantic. One good thing, Adam knew Bret would go to Chris, so maybe by now, Chris was looking for him. The blond hoped Heath, Evan and Seth would be alright. He worried about all the boys, but his three roommates were his special pets. At least Heath had good sense and would look after Evan and Seth.
His mind went back to Bret. Sometimes he could imagine himself, married to Bret. He would have a couple of beautiful children, and make a good home for his family... that is, after he took a cooking class or three... or six. The thought made him smile. Heath wouldn't even let him make toast. Well, Adam did manage to get the flaming toast to the sink before the kitchen caught fire, but Heath told him no more cooking.
Adam's head suddenly snapped up, he could hear the sounds of approaching voices. He thought about playing possum again, but he'd have to face his captor eventually. He prayed the stories he'd heard about Mark Calaway were just that; stories. He worked not to panic as he heard a key being inserted into the lock of the metal door...
Jericho pulled into the drive way of a large, stone faced, three story house. It was a nice place, well hidden from the street by huge trees.
When he stopped in front of the door, he turned to Dean. "Remember, Barrett might be a bit... stand offish. Let me handle it, after all he works for me. Come on." He opened his car door and slid out.
When the car door was shut again, Roman spoke quickly. "Good job, men. Keep your heads. Let's go." He opened the door and stepped out, Jason after him. Dean took a deep breath and also exited the car.
The front door opened as they got to the top of the six, wide, flagstone steps. A very tall man, with a lean, but muscular build stood in the door way. His short, raven hair was slicked down with a deep part on the left side. He stared hard at the three strangers with Chris.
Chris pushed his way past Wade and waved the others in. "Wade, I'll explain later. The boys alright?" He asked as he lead the three men to the top of the basement stairs, and flicked the light on.
"Yeah, all tucked in. I didn't say a word about Adam. I just explained he sent the food to them. I'll be in the office, I've been making some calls." Wade didn't say much in front of the strangers and wouldn't tell until Chris explained.
Chris led the Detectives down to the basement living area. "The couch pulls out to a king sized bed. Sheets, pillows, blankets are in here." He pulled open the door to a supply closet. It resembled a hotel maid's pantry, linens, cleaning materials and other things to keep the house running neat and clean were stored there.
Chris continued to show them closet. "Towels, wash cloths , extra toothbrushes, that kind of thing on this side. Bathroom is over there, kitchen in there, help yourselves and feel free to cook. That dresser in the corner has extra clothes, sleeping pants, tee shirts and the like. Help yourselves to them as well. I'll be up in my office. Welcome to my home." Chris pointed out all the various things as he spoke of them.
Dean looked around. "Thanks. Yeah, we hadn't planned on anything like this, so of course we have no bags. Maybe in a couple of days, I'll go back and get what I can. Don't worry, we'll grab a bite to eat, shower and hit the hay. Been a long few days. Thanks again." Dean gave Jericho a friendly pat on the shoulder. Chris nodded and hurried up he stairs, he had some explaining to do.
Chris went right to his office. He turned on the surveillance cameras hidden in the basement. The three men were pulling out the bed. Chris turned the sound down and faced Wade. Wade paced the office like a caged lion.
"Sit down, I can't afford a new carpet. Now, have you found out anything?" Chris asked as he sat down at his desk and lit a cigarette.
Wade lit a cigar and inhaled deeply. The strangers would have to wait. "Calaway, he must have got to Dave somehow. One of our rats saw Dave carrying Adam out the restaurant. He heard Dave say 'I told Calaway I could do it,' as he put Adam in the car. Same problem, it the rats know where the Deadman's Place is, they ain't sayin'. I could bring the rat in, work em over..." He let the words hang in the air along with an exhale of blue gray cigar smoke.
Chris shook his head. "No, only as a very last resort. We need the confidence of the rats. We damage one, they will all turn on us. I'm not surprised, I guess Mark did his homework. I'm willing to bet, Dave now has enough money for his mother's operation. I'd have given it to him if I'd had it. If we don't get some money soon... thank gods Hart didn't want a refund, his fee is keeping us going, for the moment." He put his feet up on his desk and took a deep drag from his cigarette.
Wade could now see the three strangers. They were in the kitchen, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, at least they weren't greedy; yet. He puffed his cigar and looked at Chris.
"Yeah, alright, I will tell you..." Chris launched into why there were now three strangers living in the basement. Wade listened intently. "... so, Johnny Ace gave them the okay. I trust him. That Moxley fellow and I have a serious understanding. Still, they don't need to know everything. I hear or see one questionable thing and they will wake up dead. Now... what do we do to get Adam back?" Chris exhaled again and looked at Wade.
Dean, Roman and Jason stood at the kitchen counter and finished off their sandwiches. All three assumed they were being bugged, probably both video and audio. They kept their conversation to their established story. They made sure to emphasize how they hoped to be able to help Chris, but they managed to make it a natural conversation, and not contrived.
When they finished eating, the Detectives tidied up. Dean and Roman fixed the bed while Jason took a shower. Dean was next, followed by Roman. They slept in the borrowed clothes with Jason in the middle. All three fell asleep quicker than they thought they would. Stress did that...
Adam hugged his knees tighter as the door slowly opened. He shielded his eyes when harsh, florescent lights lit the room. He heard a low but cruel laugh.
"Well, well. I finally got Jerifuck's prize whore. He should have taken my threats more seriously. Good thing desperate people do desperate things. Well, as soon as you are little more... compliant, you will be working for me. Say good bye to men like Bret Hart. I don't allow my pets to be spoiled by love sick clients. You let them fuck you, then you leave. No days and nights in nice hotels, it tends to make you forget what you are..." Calaway was interrupted when Adam spoke.
"I never forget what I am. Chris will find me. I won't work for clients like yours." Adam couldn't believe the words he'd just said, but he was angry.
Adam cried out when a riding crop whipped across his back with a sharp crack of leather on skin. "I don't allow back talk either. I was going to let you out, have a cot to sleep on, but now, twenty four hours more in here. You will learn, you will learn. Can't wait to get you on my dick. Till tomorrow, my pet." Mark turned off the light, closed the door and locked it.
Adam hugged his knees, the pain burned his skin. For the first time in years, Adam sobbed like a baby. He cried for Chris, he cried for Heath, Evan and Seth, he cried for Bret, but most of all, he cried for his ma, and the life they should have had...
Heath, Evan and Seth lay in their beds. Adam's bed in the corner was empty, but he was with Bret, wasn't he.
Heath let out a sigh and turned onto his side. "Can't sleep?" Seth asked from his bed.
Heath sat up and turned on the small wall lamp over his head. "I think something is wrong. Wade sent us to bed too early, and Chris just left us. Something just doesn't feel right. Why didn't Adam bring us the dogie bag? He always brings it to us himself. I dunno, maybe I'm just on edge because business is so bad. Chris is really worried, I can just tell." Heath sighed again, turned off the lamp and laid back down.
Evan spoke. "I think your right Heath. It's more than business being slow. I wish we could go out. I have a friend on fifth street that knows everything." He gave his own sigh.
"Think if you told Chris, he might let you go talk to him?" Seth asked in a thoughtful tone. He'd been listening to the two older boys talking.
"I guess I could ask him He can only say no. But if he asks why... well... I'll just ask him. We'd better try to get some sleep. It's our turn to make breakfast." Evan spoke through a sleepy yawn. He turned onto his side.
"I'll go with you when you ask him. Yeah, I wanna make pancakes. Good night, boys." Heath sighed once more and also turned onto his side.
"Good night" Evan and Seth said at the same time. It was slower in coming to them, than the guests downstairs, but sleep finally over took the three boys...
Adam finally stopped crying. He had to piss. He went as far as the chain would allow and did the best he could to aim away from where he laid. He took another small sip of water. Adam laid on the dirt floor and curled up like a baby.
He didn't pray much, but Adam opened his heart and prayed that somehow, Chris would find him. He suddenly felt slightly warmer, like he was in the arms of someone who loved him. He fell asleep again, with a dream that his ma held him as he slept...
Chris sat alone in his office. He'd sent Wade off to get some much needed sleep. Chris had his cameras on the three sleeping strangers. He noticed that Jon held Christian close and Joe slept in a protective stance. He trusted them even further, that could not be faked.
How in the fucking hell was he going to get Adam back? He was going to get him back, without Adam he had no business. Not only was Adam his best whore, he kept the other boys in line. Plus, even though Chris would never admit it, he loved Adam. Not the marrying kind of love, but love none the less. That was why he didn't "sell" Adam's contract to Hart. The thought of not having Adam was too much.
Chris had even toyed with the idea of getting Adam pregnant. They would make a beautiful baby. A sweet little girl, that Chris could spoil... Chris got a sudden idea. Didn't Mark have a kid with his whore? Maybe he'd just found a weapon to use to get Adam back. He had some research to do.
Dean, Jason and Roman had only appeared to be asleep. Dean held Jason in his arms, but it was so he could whisper in his fellow Detectives ear.
"Well, at least we got you here as a top. By the sound of things, you won't have any business any way. Jericho is really up set about this Adam person. We need to find about about him." Dean whispered in Jason ear.
Roman slid down a bit and put his arm over both Dean and Jason as if protecting them in his sleep.
"One thing, finding this guy, Adam will lead us to Calaway. To be honest, I'd rather put Calaway in jail, and now he has kidnapped someone. That's a real crime. All Jericho is guilt of so far is solicitation, a misdemeanor at best. Of course, no telling what he will do to get his boy back. We just have to keep our heads. So far, so good, but one slip up and I think Jericho will make good his promise. Okay, lets get some real sleep. I have a feeling the next few days will be busy." Roman finished his talk with yawn.
This time sleep did over take the three men. It had been a long time since any of them had slept with another person, it was a nice feeling...
At the Deadman's Place, Mark, Glenn and Dave Batista were in Mark's plush office. They were having a talk over fine brandy and illegal Cuban cigars.
"He's a little braver than I thought he would be. It's gonna be fun to break him. He's just the type Del Rio likes." Mark spoke through an exhale of cigar smoke.
Glenn let out a low whistle. "You know he likes whips. By the way he reacted to your crop, I don't think he's been anywhere near a whip. What does Jericho do? Give them bon-bons and bubble baths?"
Batista laughed. "You're close. Oh he can dish out punishments, but yeah, he spoils and coddles his boys. Likes to keep them happy. You do know that Adam is his special boy. I even heard him tell Barrett once, he'd like to have a kid by Adam."
Mark's brow arched. "Oh really now. Well, that can't happen, it would ruin that beautiful figure..." He felt bad when he saw Glenn's face fall.
Mark looked at Dave and nodded to the door. Batista got the message and excused himself. He wanted to send his mother an email anyway.
When Dave left, Mark pulled a reluctant Glenn into his lap. "I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean to imply that your figure was ruined. Your gorgeous, baby. Even more so because you gave birth to Gunner. I still want to try for that baby girl." He kissed Glenn's soft lips and nuzzled into him. He would never hurt Glenn, ever.
"I'm... I guess I am always a little jealous when you bring in someone new... I.. " Glenn felt utterly stupid. He got up from Mark's lap and poured a fresh shot of brandy.
Mark understood. "Look, I know we're not the lovey dovey type, but I do love you, Glenn. The whores are just that. I have to know the product I am selling. It's sex. With you, it's making love. Look at the beautiful boy we created out of that love." He pointed to the picture of Gunner on his desk.
Glenn looked out of the window "I was a whore, Mark. I fear losing what we have to the thing you've taken a shine to... like Adam. He's all you've talked about for months." His tone was bitter. Glenn had been holding in his feelings for a long time. Adam's arrival had brought them bubbling to the surface.
Mark realized Glenn was truly hurting. He got up and went to his lover. He wrapped his arms around Glenn's waist, and rested his chin on Glenn's shoulder.
"I'm sorry, baby. It's not him I'm obsessed with. It's bringing down Jericho. Glenn, what's this really about. I've never known you to be truly jealous type. You've even watched me try out new merchandise. You've never acted like this before. Talk to me, Glenn, please, baby." Mark whispered in Glenn's ear. He was truly concerned.
Glenn sighed. "Then why won't you marry me. Wouldn't it be better for Gunner if his parents were married, and a new baby if we're lucky. I'm not saying you can't play with new toys, I just want to know... you'll always come back to our bed. Am I being foolish? I know we don't talk about these things, but maybe we should?" He turned around in Mark's arms and looked deeply into his lover's eyes, right down to Mark's soul.
Mark's eyes grew wide. This was way more serious than he thought. Also Glenn looked even more pale than usual. "Baby, do you feel alright? I agree, maybe we do need to talk about things. Let's do that, soon."
"It's always soon! I'm still expecting you to suddenly cancel our summer with Gunner. You can't commit, Mark. Gunner and I are supposed to be the ones you love, you can't even commit to one month with us!" Glenn was on the verge of crying and he never cried. Glenn was always so calm.
Mark's shoulder's drooped. "You're right, I'm sorry. I guess it stems from my childhood. Seven different step-dads, because my mom couldn't commit. It's no excuse. I'm doing to Gunner exactly what she did to me. I vowed not to do that... but... well... I failed. I swear Glenn, we are going to have our summer with our boy. If you want to get married, we will get married. I do love you, Glenn. Even if I don't say it or show it much." He pulled Glenn in and kissed him with the emotion he'd kept hidden.
Glenn looked at Mark. "You mean it? You really mean it? The summer with Gunner? We can get married?"
Mark nodded. "I mean it, Glenn. I'll even write it down and sign it if you want. Why don't we have a wedding, just the three of us, and a Preacher, down by the lake?"
Glenn smiled, his whole face lit up. "I'd love that. Only it won't be just the three of us. There will be four of us... well... sort of. I'm pregnant. I'm due around the end of January. I guess that's why I've been so... touchy. I wanted a real commitment from you. I'm going to hold you to it. I don't this one born to unwed parents. Well?" He looked at Mark, brow arched.
Mark's lips moved but no words came out. Finally he was able to speak. "I guess I forgot the condom? Oh Glenn, maybe this will be our girl. I do love you. I won't back out on you, I promise." He picked Glenn up in his arms, bridal style and carried him to their private bedroom. It proved Mark's strength, Glenn was as big as he was.
So many questions. Where was Adam? Would Chris find him? Would Mark keep his promise? All questions... with no answers...